Arizona is one of the most well-known states in the US and it is also home to the tallest cacti species that grows in its Sonoran desert.The Sonoran Desert is a North American desert present in the state of Arizona but also expands to California and most of the Baja California Peninsula. Besides being home to one of the tallest cacti species in North America, this desert is home to some exotic birds, reptiles, insects, and mammals.Apart from the Sonoran desert, the US is home to some of the most interesting desert landscapes in the world. Some of the major deserts here are the Great Basin Desert, the Chihuahuan Desert, and the Mojave Desert.After reading about the various deserts that are present in Arizona as well as California, also check facts about Arizona cactuses and animals in Arizona.The Sonoran DesertPopularly known as the Sonoran Desert or the Desierto de Altar in Spanish, it is an arid region in southeastern California and southwestern Arizona.This desert also spreads across the Mexican state of Baja California Sur, the Baja California Peninsula, and the western half of Sonora. The desert in Sonora spreads across an area of about 120,000 sq mi (310,800 sq km) in the region between the two countries of the USA and Mexico.The Sonoran desert has a subtropical climate throughout the year and receives an average annual rainfall of about 3-15 in (76.2-381 mm). The monsoon season is from July to September. The hottest and most dry parts of the desert are located near the Colorado River, where the annual rainfall, on average, is less than 3 in (7.6 cm).The temperature in this region can reach more than 120 F (48.9 C). The desert is mostly warm throughout winter and usually has two seasons of rainfall, even though it is a dry region. The Sonoran Desert is known for being the hottest desert in Mexico and half of Sonora.The Sonoran Desert National MonumentThe Sonoran Desert National Monument was established in 2001 by president Bill Clinton’s proclamation. This proclamation aims to preserve approximately 760 sq mi (1968.4 sq km) of the desert area situated to the southwest of Phoenix.This area contains huge landscapes including three mountain ranges, valleys, and forests of the saguaro cactus and it is also considered to be the most biologically diverse of all North American deserts. This monument is a habitat for hundreds of species of animals, birds, reptiles, and insects. The endangered species of Sonoran pronghorn can be found in the areas of the Sonoran Desert National Monument as well.Unfortunately, illegal offroading drivers tend to enter this area quite often which results in damage to the unique and diverse vegetation and animals. Cattle that are left to graze on the wild grass and open areas tend to trample upon the plants which are crushed under their feet. The president’s proclamation prohibited the grazing of cattle in the southern half of the monument, which already has very scarce vegetation.The proclamation also prohibited any kind of vehicles, and even bicycles from entering any area beside the paved roads, but many bikes, jeeps, and motorcycles tend to enter the desert area which causes soil erosion. This also disturbs the flora and fauna which is already struggling to survive in the harsh climate.Subdivisions Of The Sonoran DesertThe Sonoran Desert near the gulf has been divided into seven subdivisions based on the vegetation which can be found commonly in a particular area.These subdivisions are the lower Colorado valley, the plains of Sonora, Arizona upland, the Central Gulf Coast, the foothills of Sonora, the Magdalena region, and the Vizcaino region. These divisions are generally recognized by researchers in terms of biological vegetation. Sonoran Desert subdivisions include the desert-like Colorado Desert, Gran Desertio de Altar, the Tonopah Desert, the Lechuguilla Desert, the Yuha Desert, and the Yuma Desert.Saguaro CactusVelvet mesquite is a small plant that can grow to medium-sized trees found in the land of the tropical Sonora Desert.Mesquite is also called Prosopis velutina in the land of the tropical Sonora Desert. Palo verde or blue palo verde is another type of plant found in the desert. There are several species of cactus that can be found in the Sonoran Desert and Arizona, but the most abundant and frequently found species is saguaro. The saguaro cactus can be easily recognized by its large, tree-like column and small, protruding branches. The saguaro cactus belongs to the genus carnegia and is also known for being the largest cactus in the United States.The saguaro cactus can grow up to a height of about 39.4 ft (12 m) tall. It is covered in protective spines which are covered with thorns. The saguaro cactus has a long lifespan of about 100-150 years, which often exceeds 150 years as well. These spines help the cactus with conserving water within its branches. Saguaro blooms with white flowers in spring which emit sweet-smelling nectar, attracting many species of bats to feed on the flower and pollinate it.This flower turns into fruit in summer. At the age of about 75-100 years, this cactus might start developing arms, which protrude from the straight column-like branches of the cactus. These arms help the cactus in increasing its reproductive capacity, which in turn leads to blooming flowers and fruits. This cactus is native to the Sonoran Desert situated in the state of Arizona, USA, the Whipple Mountains, and the imperial county of California as well as parts of Mexico. A major threat to the saguaro cactus is human intervention and harsh climates, which may include sandstorms or winter, leading up to cold winters and winter storms.The saguaro cactus blooms were declared as the state flower of Arizona in March 1931. The pictures of this cactus serve as a famous emblem to depict the cultural heritage of the southwest USA. Apart from that, the saguaro cactus is an important source of food for Native Americans, especially a tribe of people called Tohono O’odham and Pima native to the Sonoran desert area, who pick the red fruit of the saguaro cactus to turn it into jellies, syrups, and wines, and it is sometimes even eaten raw. The ribs of the saguaro cactus can also be used for making furniture, roofs, and fences as it is very strong and durable.Apart from humans, this cacti species supports the ecosystem by providing shelter and food resources to many birds and animals. Small birds tend to make cavities in the branches of this cactus, which provides them with safe shelter. Larger birds opt to build nests between the arms of this cactus. Many animals and insects like birds, bats, various reptiles, and insects depend on the nectar, fruits, and moisture that the saguaro cactus provides.The saguaro cactus is a representation of the Sonoran Desert and the southwest region of the USA all around the world. The Saguaro National Park, which is named after the species of this cactus around the world, is designated for the preservation of this cactus. The saguaro cactus naturally dies at the age of about 150 to 200 years, generally by being uprooted due to strong winds or washouts.Animals In The Sonoran DesertThe area of Sonoran Desert National Monument, as well as other areas of the Sonoran Desert, are home to more than 20 amphibians, more than 100 reptiles, thousands of bee species, more than 350 bird species, some native fish species as well as thriving vegetation of more than 2000 plant species native to the Sonoran Desert. There is also a Sonoran Desert tortoise that is native to the region.Generally, the species that tend to have a higher tolerance for the arid regions and harsh climates adapt and survive, thus reproducing and creating stronger offspring.The Sonoran Desert is a habitat for several mammals like bighorn sheep, collared peccaries or javelina, mountain lions, coyotes, mule deer, and the grey fox. The desert hosts a wide variety of reptiles like Gila monsters, tarantulas, scorpions, rattlesnakes, lizards, and desert tortoises too.The animals which inhabit the arid regions of the Sonoran Desert include many rabbits and similar rodents like kangaroo rats, jackrabbits, and different species of bats. The Sonoran Desert is home to thousands of bird species, and the ones which are mainly found in this region are Gila woodpeckers, Gambel’s quail, roadrunners, hawks, and owls.Apart from the Sonoran Desert, some exotic wildlife species are found in other regions of Arizona as well, especially the Grand Canyon National Park. The Grand Canyon National Park is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and offers safe habitat to some exotic desert animals. If you are planning a trip to explore the deserts of Arizona, then checking out these exotic animal species will also be a good idea.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for Arizona desert facts then why not take a look at Arizona state bird facts, or Arizona fires?
Arizona is one of the most well-known states in the US and it is also home to the tallest cacti species that grows in its Sonoran desert.
