Desert Mammals

The mammals are the class of vertebrate animals primarily characterized by the presence of mammary glands in the female which produce milk for the nourishment of young; the presence of hair or fur; and which have endothermic or "warm blooded" bodies. The brain regulates endothermic and circulatory systems.

Desert mammals can be divided into four broad categories: the carnivores (meat eaters), small and large herbivores (plant eaters), and insectivores (insect eaters). All must conform to specific behavioral traits to survive in such arid lands. Most desert mammals are nocturnal, which means active during the night. Temperatures are lower and humidity is higher then and the animal loses less water through perspiration and breathing. Besides being nocturnal, many adopt other water-saving habits as well.