Nature & Wildlife of the Grand Canyon

The vast, varied terrain of the Grand Canyon National Park's nearly one million acres supports thousands of different species of animals and plants alike. From the desert-like shores of the Colorado River to the lush pine forests of the North Rim, the Grand Canyon provides a stunning backdrop to up at least three distinct ecosystems.

RIPARIAN COMMUNITIES

Alongside the mighty Colorado River in the innermost sanctum of the Grand Canyon, a thriving community of dense shrubs and small trees make up the riparian habitat. Primarily a migration destination for almost 250 species of birds, including the bald eagle, the riverbed offers year-round nesting habitats for 48 resident species. The river teems with fish, though non-native trout and carp introduced to the area since 1958 have endangered populations of native fish such as the humpback chub and the razorback sucker. Beaver, coyotes, mountain lion, desert bighorn sheep, and a large congregation of bats are also found along the river's edge. Six types of rattlesnakes have been recorded in the park, along with the less-threatening populations of gila monsters and chuckwallas. Bark scorpions and hairy scorpions also abound, though it is a little-known fact that scorpion bites rarely cause substantial health problems—other than the initial sting, of course!

DESERT SCRUBLANDS

The desert areas existing at slightly higher elevations above the riverbed create a slightly more compromising habitat for wildlife than either of its neighboring regions. About 30 species of birds nest in the desert cliff bands, including peregrine falcons and one or two pairs of the endangered California Condor. Insects of course abound in the area, acting as the primary food source for a number of desert rodents, bats, and reptiles, including the rare gopher tortoise.

CONIFEROUS FOREST

Up on the Kaibab Plateau on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, the climate changes dramatically. Plush forests of Ponderosa Pine and a significant rise in precipitation creates a comfortable woodland habitat for elk, mule deer, black bear, spotted owls, goshawks, and small mammals like porcupines, red squirrels, and shrews.