About Desert Animals

Located in Palm Desert and just 15 minutes from Palm Springs, The Living Desert's mission is desert conservation through preservation, education and appreciation. Click here to become a member. Campers learn about plants and animals, the environment (including our own desert) and what it's like to work at a zoo Quarters for Conservation. Choose a Conservation Project and help protect wild animals and plants around the planet! You can become an important part of The Living Desert's conservation efforts through our Adopt! Program.

North America

North American Animals

North American Desert Animals display a wide range of adaptations and inhabit niches similar to their counterparts from other continents. One example of this parallel is peccaries in North America and swine from Africa. The peccary (or javelina) is native to the Americas, while true pigs (domestic swine, warthogs, etc.) are native to Africa. Although similar in appearance, they are completely unrelated. Both eat similar foods and have similar social structures, as well as other adaptations. True pigs occur in other parts of the world due only to introduction by human settlers.