Camels have been used for transportation by desert dwellers for centuries.
Animals living in the desert face unique challenges posed by extreme high temperatures, as well as limited food and water supplies. Still, the animals that thrive in deserts around the world include a range of creatures, from tiny insects to large mammals such as camels and the reticulated giraffe. These animals have all developed behaviors or physical changes to help them avoid heat and retain water.
Camels
No animal is more associated with deserts than camels. Arabian camels, those with one hump, have adapted to desert conditions by storing fat in their humps that can be broken down metabolically to be used for moisture and energy when food and water supplies cannot be accessed. When camels do find water, they gorge themselves. An adult camel can drink 30 gallons of water at one time and then go weeks without drinking again.
Bearded Dragon
In Australia's desert and semi-arid regions, the bearded dragon survives by eating insects and other small creatures, as well as fruits and flowers. An adult bearded dragon grows to a length of 2 feet, although the animals are preyed upon by dingos and monitor lizards. Bearded dragons get their name from the large spiny pouch that extends from their lower jaw. They can survive the extreme conditions of the desert by obtaining water from the prey they eat and by burrowing underground to avoid the extreme heat.
Black Vulture
Black vultures are among the heartiest survivors of the North American desert, but they are found in tropical regions, as well. The image of black vultures circling overhead waiting for animals to die is familiar, but these opportunistic birds are also scavengers when it comes to nesting, laying their eggs in tree stumps, abandoned nests of other birds, caves and other protected areas. Black vultures survive the heat by conserving energy in flight, gliding on air currents high in the sky. These birds locate food with highly developed senses of sight and smell, and cool themselves by excreting on their legs, which is known as urohydrosis.
Reticulated Giraffe
The reticulated giraffe is the world's tallest land mammal, with adult males reaching a height of 16 to 18 feet. Giraffes, like camels, can go for long periods without drinking. They are able to absorb much of the moisture they need from leaves, which comprise a large part of their diet. Giraffes avoid predators with keen eyesight and hearing.
Giant Hairy Desert Scorpion
The giant hairy desert scorpion is the largest scorpion in North America, growing to between 4 and 6 inches. Scorpions are arthropods, which means they are related to spiders and centipedes. Arthropods are invertebrates, with segmented bodies and an exoskeleton, or external skeleton. The giant hairy desert scorpion burrows underground during the heat of the day and can follow a line of moisture as far as 8 feet below the surface. The scorpion hunts in the cooler temperatures at night. The stinger in its tail can move quickly, and in humans produces a similar reaction to that of a bee sting, such as redness and localized swelling. Its pincers are used to take control of its prey, which include insects, small lizards and even other scorpions.
Tags: food water, food water supplies, giant hairy, giant hairy desert, reticulated giraffe