Date: 03/26/10
Contact: Doug Nielsen
Phone: (702) 486-5127 x 3500

DESERT BLOOMS A BOON FOR WILDLIFE

With the moisture that has come to Southern Nevada the desert is sure to be decorated with the blooms of desert wildflowers during the coming weeks. This will no doubt lead many wildflower enthusiasts to undertake a pilgrimage of sorts to places like Death Valley and the Mormon Mesa, which are known for their spring flower displays. As an unexpected bonus they may also get the opportunity to view the desert’s wildlife.

People aren’t the only critters that are attracted to wildflowers; plant-eating animals (herbivores) will be attracted to the succulent blossoms and new growth of desert plants. Their tender green sprouts are a source of moisture that may have been missing from the animals’ diets all winter long, said Margie Klein, wildlife educator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). Many animals may not feed on plants, but on the micro fauna the plants attract, including insects such as grubs and moths. Still others will use the new vegetation for rest-time shelter or for building homes.

The desert tortoise feeds hungrily on brightly colored globemallow and prickly pear flowers. Chuckwallas, one of the largest lizards in the Mojave Desert, gorge themselves on the leaves, buds and flowers of “chuckwalla’s delight,” or sweetbush. Most reptiles and amphibians are not herbivores, but consume insects found on blooming desert shrubs and also utilize the shade that the plants provide. Snakeweed or matchweed is a small shrub with yellow flowers. Although it is not a food source, it does provide cover for rattlesnakes, so watch out when stepping close to this one. Jackrabbits and other small herbivores like to eat just about any tender new plant growth, including flowers.

Rodents also utilize a good number of plants for food and cover. Desert woodrats will consume the leaves of yuccas, including Joshua trees, but don’t particularly like the flowers. They do, however, like to nibble on the bark. Kangaroo rats eat a variety seeds and get all their moisture from them. They never drink water.

Large mammals like the desert bighorn sheep will also eat springtime plants; they are oftentimes just looking for something green. Sheep have been known to eat flowers of succulents like agave as well as globemallow and wild buckwheat flowers. Their preferred browse plants include sagebrush, ricegrass and even prickly pear cactus. Mule deer are usually found at slightly higher elevations, but they have been seen at Red Rock.

“Deer will consume larkspur, lupines, milkvetch, penstemons, phlox, wild rose and sego lilies. They may also browse willow, ash, cliffrose and brittlebush,” said Brad Hardenbrook, NDOW supervising habitat biologist.

By far the most common consumer of flowers, seeds and fruits are birds -- the more lush the bloom the more seeds and fruits for them to eat. The larger of the seed-eating birds, most often found in the more rural areas, include wild turkeys, pheasants and quail. The seeds they eat can be from any available plant, including mesquite, acacia, buckwheat and non-native weeds. Quail will also consume fruit. In the central and northern areas of Nevada, sage grouse feed on sagebrush-associated plants. Water birds and shore birds found at desert oases consume grass-like sedges as a minor component of their diet.

Desert songbirds can be seen in open areas around the edges of town and may feed on insects and all kinds of flowers, seeds and fruit. A well-known berry-eater is the Phainopepla. These little birds feed almost exclusively on mistletoe berries, and by so doing actually helps to spread mistletoe throughout its habitat. The little yellow verdin is partial to seeds of acacia, creosote and mesquite. Although they make their homes in cactus and thorny shrubs, cactus wrens feed on just a small amount of plant material. Their diet includes the seeds of filaree, a tiny geranium relative.

Hummingbirds can often be seen hovering near brightly colored, tubular shaped flowers. These speedy little birds can be seen sipping the nectar from penstemons, yucca, desert-willow, Indian paintbrush, monkey-flower, ocotillo, cactus flowers and salvias. Tubular flowers that are not necessarily bright-colored, like honeysuckle, will beckon hummingbird moths. Colorful flowers that are disc shaped, like daisies and pincushions, provide butterflies with a large area on which to land.

If the dots of color in the desert are grabbing your eye, plan an excursion to check out what else might be lingering nearby. Before you head out for that hike or road trip, check www.desertusa.com/wildflo/nv.html or www.heritage.nv.gov/wildflow.htm to see what’s blooming in the area. And check www.ndow.org for more information on local wildlife.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a Federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.