Wildlife: Grand Canyon National Park

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• What makes Grand Canyon National Park so
  remarkable is that it boasts five different
  ecosystems throughout the park, all supporting a
  diversity of plants and animals.
• In fact, if you hiked from the Colorado River to
  the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, along the way
  youd see different ecosystems that can be found
  from Canada to Mexico.

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• The Grand Canyon is home to
• 1,750 plant species
• 373 bird species
• 91 mammal species
• 57 amphibian and reptile species
• 17 fish species
• 8,400 insect species1
• At more than a mile deep, differences in
  elevation, temperature, and precipitation result
  in very different environments, from the canyon
  rim to the river. Lets explore.

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• The boreal forest is found on the North Rim of
  the Grand Canyon, and receives the most rainfall
  every year. The forest is dominated by tree
  species like quaking aspen, Douglas fir, and
  other evergreen trees. Animals that inhabit the
  boreal forest include
• Elk several different species can be found in
  the boreal forest.
• Black bear while seen less frequently, black
  bears are known to inhabit the boreal forest.
• Wild turkey frequently seen in meadows on the
  North Rim.

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• Found on both the North and South Rims of the
  Grand Canyon, the ponderosa pine forests contain
  trees that can grow to be 125 feet tall and live
  500 years. Animals include
• Squirrel the three different types include the
  Aberts squirrel, the Kaibab squirrel, and the
  golden-mantled ground squirrel.
• Mule deer can weigh up to 200 pounds and feed on
  bushes/shrubs.
• Sapsucker woodpecker as its name suggests,
  feasts on tree sap.

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• Also called a pygmy or dwarf woodland, the
  pinyon-juniper woodlands are found below the
  North and South canyon rims, and feature highly
  drought-resistant plants and trees. These
  woodlands are home to
• Bobcat resembling a lynx, bobcats hunt
  cottontail rabbits, and other small mammals.
• Pinyon jay beautiful blue jays that can store up
  to 50 seeds in their throats.
• Ring-tailed cat a member of the raccoon family,
  ring-tailed cats have long, bushy, striped tails.

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• Receiving only 7 inches of rain per year, the
  desert scrub is very dry and features short
  scrubby bushes and cacti. Temperatures can soar
  to over 100 degrees F. Animals include
• Bighorn sheep known for their incredible curved
  horns (males), bighorn sheep can scale
  near-vertical cliffs.
• Javelina a member of the peccary family (and
  resembling pigs), the javelina has a tough snout
  to feast on cactus.
• Scorpion an iconic symbol of the desert, there
  are three species of scorpions in the canyon.

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• Riparian refers to plants and animals that live
  along the banks of a river. Animals that make
  their home along the Colorado River at the bottom
  of the Grand Canyon include
• Canyon tree frog a small frog that lives in
  perennial or intermittent streams in the canyon.
• Beaver these large rodents cut willows,
  cottonwoods, and shrubs for food.
• Coyote coyotes can be found virtually everywhere
  in the national park, they are among the most
  numerous predators.

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• Grand Canyon National Park attracts millions of
  visitors from all over the world every year. With
  such stunning beauty and abundant wildlife, its
  no wonder the area is such a popular destination.
  
• Theres no limit to the things you can do during
  your visit to the national park. From a Grand
  Canyon air tour to river rafting to hiking, there
  are endless ways to explore this geological
  wonder.

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• Scenic Airlines is the largest and most
  experienced aerial tour operator in the world,
  specializing in charter Grand Canyon airplane
  tours and Grand Canyon tours. Scenic has
  pioneered the aerial sightseeing industry since
  it began tours in 1967. Our Grand Canyon air
  tours showcase the most impressive landscapes of
  the National Parks, allowing visitors from all
  over the world to experience the rich beauty of
  the Southwest. Scenic offers over 20 unique tours
  varying from easy and relaxed to adventure
  expeditions. Tours range from a one-hour,
  air-only sightseeing flight, to a three-day,
  two-night program throughout the Southwest. Visit
  www.scenic.com for tour information or call (800)
  634-6801.

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• http//www.nps.gov/grca/learn/education/upload/Eco
  Article-Dec2011-12.pdf