Flora and Fauna at Joshua Tree
ANIMAL WATCH
Among the 250 species of birds at Joshua Tree are road runners, verdins, house finches, Gambel’s quail and several raptors.
The desert tortoise is on the endangered species list; handling one is illegal. They live throughout the park, except in steepest areas. Because of especially dry conditions this year they are difficult to spot.
At least 18 types of lizards live in the park, including chuckwallas, western whiptail lizards and side-blotched lizards, and more than 20 snake varieties, including common kingsnakes and sidewinder rattlesnakes.
About 250 desert bighorn sheep live in the park in three herds. They prefer steep, rocky terrain. The herds live in the Eagle Mountains, the Little San Bernardino Mountains and the Wonderland of Rocks in the park’s northern area.
Other mammals to look for include bats, desert coyotes, kit foxes, gray foxes, desert bobcats, southern mule deer, cottontails and jackrabbits, and rodents such as chipmunks, squirrels, gophers, kangaroo rats and all kinds of mice.
PLANTS
Desert fan palm: Tallest among North American palms, it can grow to 75 feet and live 80 to 90 years. Look for them in the park’s fan-palm oases.
The Joshua tree, a member of the lily family, is dominant in the park’s northern region. These slow-growing trees, recognized by their shaggy barks and bristly foliage, can live hundreds of years.
The Chollo cactus is covered with silvery bristles that look soft but can be painful to touch. They’re sometimes called “jumping” cacti. Most easily found at and near Cholla Cactus Garden on Pinto Basin Road.
The ocotillo produces a rare flash of color with its bright red flowers. Look for Ocotillo Patch on Pinto Basin Road, south of Chollo Cactus Garden.
The creosote bush can produce small yellow flowers in spring and summer, as well as a pungent smell. It was a source of medicine for Cahuilla Indians. Creosote tea is sold in health food stores.
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