Hobbies And Interests
Camels
When you think about desert animals, one of the first types that comes to mind is likely the camel. Most camels live in the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East, but a few live in Asia and other areas. Camels are very large---they can be more than 7 feet tall and weigh up to 1,600 pounds. Camels eat vegetation like grass and wheat. They can go almost a week without drinking water.
Sidewinders
The desert is home to a wide variety of snakes, though the most commonly known type is the sidewinder rattlesnake. These fast-moving reptiles are found in the deserts of the United States. They subsist primarily on small rats and lizards. Sidewinders usually rank in at about 2 feet long. Though they are not overly aggressive toward humans, sidewinders will bite, which can pose immediate health risks to the recipient.
Ants
If you want to get a look at a desert creature up close, you may need to only go so far as your backyard. Ants are social creatures that live mostly in underground tunnel systems. Most ants are workers, building tunnels and finding food to bring back to the nest. Some are soldiers that protect the queen and take over local colonies. Ants are found in almost every environment in the world, including the desert.
Other Animals
Though life in the desert is hard, a vibrant ecosystem of animals is found in its sandy expanses. Horses, bats, armadillos, sheep, owls, spiders, wolves, iguanas and a wide variety of other animals call the desert their home. Many of these creatures have adapted special skills for dealing with the climate, such as burrowing underground or the ability to go without food or water for several days. Living in the desert is a challenge, but nature provides plenty of methods for dealing with the difficulty.