The Largest Desert-Dwelling Animals Still Existing Today
Deserts are extremely arid and among the harshest environments on Earth. It is estimated that about 33% of the Earth’s surface is covered by deserts. While many might view deserts as barren wastelands, a variety of wildlife and plants have adapted to thrive in these dry regions.
1. Bighorn Sheep
Originating from North America, bighorn sheep are native to rocky mountain regions and can be found in the Mojave, Sonoran, Chihuahuan, and Great Basin deserts. Scientifically known as Ovis canadensis nelsoni, bighorn sheep have evolved to endure extreme temperatures and can handle the drastic temperature shifts between day and night in the desert. They are able to survive with minimal water and can absorb moisture from their food. Bighorn sheep can lose up to 30% of their body water and quickly recover when rehydrated. These animals are excellent climbers with hooves adapted for grip and balance, enabling them to stand on narrow ledges about 2 inches wide, which helps them evade predators like coyotes, wolves, and mountain lions.
2. Gobi Bear
The Gobi bear (Ursus arctos gobiensis) is the only bear species capable of enduring the harsh desert heat. This subspecies of the brown bear is native to the western part of Mongolia in the Gobi Desert. Listed as critically endangered, the Gobi bear is one of the rarest bears on the planet, with an estimated 51 individuals left in the wild. Adapted to both mountainous and flat desert environments, Gobi bears are omnivorous, eating a mix of berries, wild onions, rodents, insects, and available vegetation. They primarily consume plants, with only 1% of their diet consisting of meat. Their bodies are efficient at storing fat and water.
Climate change and environmental degradation from mining have significantly reduced the Gobi bear population. There are no known captive populations, with only a few remaining in the wild.
3. Ostrich
The ostrich, the largest bird in the world, is flightless due to its size. It has powerful legs that enable it to run up to 43 miles (about 70 km) per hour. Two ostrich species exist today: the common ostrich (Struthio camelus) and the Somali ostrich (Struthio molybdophanes). The common ostrich, which is larger and more frequently found in desert habitats, is native to Africa, where it lives in savannas and deserts. Ostriches are omnivores, with a diet predominantly consisting of plants, including roots, seeds, leaves, and fruit, as well as lizards, insects, and snakes. Despite their simple diet, they can kill larger animals with their strong legs and sharp claws. They typically live in small groups of around 10 but can occasionally number up to 100.
4. Kalahari Lion
Lions are among the largest cats in the world and are highly adaptable. Native to Africa, lions inhabit savannas, grasslands, shrublands, open plains, and sometimes forests. In Africa, various subspecies of lions, including those in the Sahara, Namib, and Kalahari deserts, are adapted to desert living. While lions are not always found in desert areas, they are among the few large animals capable of living there.
5. Camel
Camels are often the first animals that come to mind when thinking about deserts and are among the largest animals adapted to arid environments. There are two camel species: the Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) and the Dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius). The Dromedary camel is more common, making up about 90% of the world’s camels, while the rarer Bactrian camel, which is heavier, lives in the Gobi Desert. Camels have been domesticated to thrive in harsh desert conditions and can travel long distances without water. Contrary to popular belief, camels’ humps do not store water but fat, which helps them survive when food is scarce. They can go without drinking water for up to 15 days.
