Desert Animal / Morocco

 The famous camel is worth a mention. They are extremely well adapted to desert life. Camels have two rows of eyelashes to protect their eyes from the dust; they have fat in their hump so they can go days without food and they can even close their nostrils to stop them inhaling sand.

 

 

When people think of a desert, often camels and rattle snakes spring to mind, however many more animals call desert home. Foxes o Fennec, spiders, antelopes, Rock Hopper penguin, Deathstalker scorpion and so on…

 

Desert fox, Chile

 

Now for the cool animals; the Addax antelope found in the Sahara Desert is one of the most beautiful antelopes in the world. Unfortunately, people all over the world want its beautiful horns and so they are endangered.

Addax antelope

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Deathstalker Scorpion (sounds scary) is a small scorpion also found in the Sahara. It can grow up to 10cm! You would think with the name and all, it would be the most feared animal in the desert – think again! Although slightly poisonous, its venom is not fatal.

 

Deathstalker scorpion

 

 

The Armadillo Lizard is a very exciting reptile found in the deserts of Southern Africa. They are very well camouflaged and can be found in cracks and crevices within large rocks in the desert.

Armadillo lizard

 

When frightened the lizard puts its tail in its mouth and rolls up into a ball (just like an armadillo) and it is protected by its tough skin. Unfortunately these cool lizards are becoming endangered because they are being caught to be sold as pets.

Another crazy lizard found in the desert is the Thorny Devil. They have spikes all over their body which act as a defence against predators. The Thorny Devil has one of the best desert adaptations you can think of. Any water that lands on its body can be funnelled through small holes into its mouth. What a clever lizard!

 

Thorny Devil

 

In Antarctica be sure to look out for penguins and in the Arctic, look out for the Arctic fox, polar bear, and reindeer.

Rock Hopper penguin Chile

 

Now for the cool animals; the Addax antelope found in the Sahara Desert is one of the most beautiful antelopes in the world. Unfortunately, people all over the world want its beautiful horns and so they are endangered.

Addax antelope

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Deathstalker Scorpion (sounds scary) is a small scorpion also found in the Sahara. It can grow up to 10cm! You would think with the name and all, it would be the most feared animal in the desert – think again! Although slightly poisonous, its venom is not fatal.

 

Deathstalker scorpion

 

 

The Armadillo Lizard is a very exciting reptile found in the deserts of Southern Africa. They are very well camouflaged and can be found in cracks and crevices within large rocks in the desert.

Armadillo lizard

 

When frightened the lizard puts its tail in its mouth and rolls up into a ball (just like an armadillo) and it is protected by its tough skin. Unfortunately these cool lizards are becoming endangered because they are being caught to be sold as pets.

Another crazy lizard found in the desert is the Thorny Devil. They have spikes all over their body which act as a defence against predators. The Thorny Devil has one of the best desert adaptations you can think of. Any water that lands on its body can be funnelled through small holes into its mouth. What a clever lizard!

 

Thorny Devil

 

In Antarctica be sure to look out for penguins and in the Arctic, look out for the Arctic fox, polar bear, and reindeer.

Rock Hopper penguin