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Red Rock Canyon NCA - Wildlife:

Mammals in Red Rock Canyon

The Red Rock Canyon may seem rugged and desolate at first glance, but a closer look reveals an area teeming with wildlife. The desert often brings to mind snakes and lizards, but mammals too, inhabit these lands. In fact, over 45 species of mammals occur in the Red Rock Canyon. The presence of cool temperatures, perennial water and a variety of plant species in the sandstone canyons provide escape from desert heat and aridity, making the conservation area a suitable habitat for wildlife.

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. Let's look at some of the ways that mammals have adapted to survive in this harsh desert environment.

    Carnivores

      Carnivores are predators and chiefly eat meat, although some will consume plants. They will drink water when it ...

    Small Herbivores

      This group includes the rodents, rabbits and hares. As herbivores, they primarily eat plants, although some will supplement their diet with ...

    Large Herbivores

      Mule deer, desert bighorn sheep and burros can also be found within the conservation area. Large herbivores derive some moisture from ...

    Insectivores

      This group includes bats and shrews and primarily consumes insects. Bats are separated from all other mammals by possessing the power of true flight. To escape the heat and avoid competition with birds, they are active only at night. Seldom using their vision, ...
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