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Sonoran Pronghorn Antelope (Antilacapra Americana Sonoriensis)

Pronghorn Antelope USFWS

Facts

Subspecies of the Pronghorn
Endangered
Lifespan of 10-12 years
Can reach speeds up to 60mph
Great eyesight

Habitat

The Sonoran Pronghorn is endemic to the Sonoran Desert favoring its broad valleys. Before it became endangered the Sonoran Pronghorn was primarily found in Southwest Arizona and Northern parts of Sonora, Mexico like Hermosillo. It wasn't until 2012 that the Sonoran Pronghorn was reintroduced into the flatlands of Southwest Arizona and Mexico.

Diet

The diet of the the Sonoran Pronghorn consists of herbs, cacti, and desert grasses. Their rudiment stomachs allow them to digest rough textured foods, like the ones listed before. Along with the ability to digest these foods, their stomachs allow for better water retention.

Threats

Elements that contribute to the Sonoran Pronghorns being an endangered subspecies are predators, climate and human disturbance. Some predators of Pronghorns include cougars, wolves, coyotes, and bobcats. Climate and climate change can take part in threatening the Sonoran Pronghorn population with long lasting droughts. Human disturbances such as roads, fences, water developments, mining disturbances and other human interactions also play a part in the disappearance of the Sonoran Pronghorn.

Velvetpod Mimosa (Mimosa Dysocarpa)

VIEW FROM THE HOUSE - 0222 (8-12-2014) -04 good year for Velvetpod mimosa copy (14910430972)

Facts

Bloom time: May-October
Duration: Perennial
High drought tolerance

Habitat

The Velvetpod Mimosa resides in arroyos, washes, and brushy hillsides. It is native to Arizona, Texas, and Mexico but can also be found in New Mexico. Growing conditions that are favorable to the Velvetpod Mimosa are dry and rocky soils, lots of sunlight, and some but not much water, given that the plant has a high drought tolerance.

Importance

Many small mammals in the Velvetpod Mimosa's habitat rely on the shrub for food, and cover. Seeds from the plant provide food for Scaled Quail or other birds that live underground. Livestock can feed on the leaves of the plant. It is also an excellent source for nectar. The dense thickets of the Velvetpod Mimosa provide cover value for ground birds, quails, and small rodents.