Fauna's Life : in Hot Deserts
There is very limited types of plant and animal life that are able to live in the desert biome. Desert fauna have already adapted to very harsh temperatures through evolutionary adaptations for water conservation, heat or cold tolerance. They are called xerocoles.
Adaptations of animals in the hot and semi-arid deserts are different from those in the cold deserts. In the hot and semi-arid, the majority of the animals living in the desert biome are nocturnal. This means they sleep during the heat of the day and they are active at night when the sun goes down. They have also learned to survive with very little water and very little food.
Hot desert animals don’t need to feed very often which is why almost all of them are very small. They also don’t need to find water independently. They get the water they need from their sources of food. Ants are quite plentiful in the desert biome. They create underground tunnels where they are able to stay out of the heat.
A variety of rodents including mice and the shrew live in these conditions as well. The desert biome is also where you will find the tarantula. These spiders are very dangerous and they don’t seem to mind the harsh conditions either. Medium sized animals found living in the desert biome include rabbits, rattlesnakes, and porcupines. Foxes also live in these places but have distinct large ears to dissipate heat.
Adaptations of animals in the hot and semi-arid deserts are different from those in the cold deserts. In the hot and semi-arid, the majority of the animals living in the desert biome are nocturnal. This means they sleep during the heat of the day and they are active at night when the sun goes down. They have also learned to survive with very little water and very little food.
Hot desert animals don’t need to feed very often which is why almost all of them are very small. They also don’t need to find water independently. They get the water they need from their sources of food. Ants are quite plentiful in the desert biome. They create underground tunnels where they are able to stay out of the heat.
A variety of rodents including mice and the shrew live in these conditions as well. The desert biome is also where you will find the tarantula. These spiders are very dangerous and they don’t seem to mind the harsh conditions either. Medium sized animals found living in the desert biome include rabbits, rattlesnakes, and porcupines. Foxes also live in these places but have distinct large ears to dissipate heat.
Of course there are larger animals in the hot desert biome as they are able to feed on the small ones. Don’t be surprised if you find the puma, bobcat or dingo around. In various areas of the desert biome there are deer living there that they will find upon. In certain desert locations you will also find camels.
An example of a well-adapted animal in the desert is the camel. It has two rows of long eyelashes to protect against blowing sand and the sun. Its nostrils can be closed to keep out blowing sand. Its fat is stored in hump(s) to help it to survive long periods without food and water. It has thick fur and underwool to provide warmth during cold desert nights and insulation against daytime heat. There are thick leathery patches on its knee to protect it from getting burn when it kneels on the hot desert sand. It has long strong legs to help carry heavy loads over long distances and keep its body further away from the hot sand. And it has broad, flat, leathery pads at the bottom of their hooves to prevent it from sinking into the sand. (Phew!)
One of the living creatures in the desert biome that thrives with these harsh conditions is the Gila Monster. It is a very aggressive type of reptile. It feeds on eggs and on small mammals. This creature needs the heat for its body to stay regulated. It can be active both during the day and the night. They are very dangerous to humans due to the toxic venom that is produced when they bite.
Below are some pictures of fauna living in hot and semi-arid deserts.