Which animals live in the Sonoran Desert?

The Sonoran Desert is home to a diverse array of wildlife adapted to its arid, subtropical climate.

Mammals
Common residents include desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, and collared peccaries, also known as javelinas. Predators found in the region include mountain lions, coyotes, and gray foxes. Smaller mammals are particularly abundant, including jackrabbits, kangaroo rats, and various species of bats. Additionally, the endangered Sonoran pronghorn inhabits parts of the desert.123

Birds, Reptiles, and Invertebrates
The desert supports a rich variety of birdlife, such as roadrunners, Gila woodpeckers, Gambel’s quail, and numerous species of owls and hawks. Reptiles are highly conspicuous, including desert tortoises, Gila monsters, and various lizards and snakes, such as rattlesnakes. Invertebrates like scorpions and tarantulas are also typical residents of the region.123