These are the driest places on Earth and sometimes remain without rain for years. Desert animals cannot live without water or stay for long periods under Sun. They have adapted themselves to live in harsh condition, examples are gerbils and beetles. Some deserts are rocky with small bushes while others have flowers during the spring.
Snakes are Generally Harmless Except Rattlesnakes which are Dangerous
There are over 2300 kinds of snakes in the world. Most of them are quite harmless. But some are very poisonous and can kill anybody, including human being. Some of them lay eggs while others give birth to their young ones. They are found in the dry rocky deserts of America. Their frightening rattle can be heard as far as 30m away.
They generally avoid people. They rattle their tails whenever they are disturbed to scare their intruders. They attack only when they feel threatened. Rattle snakes are common and widespread across the American continent from Canada to Argentina.
They eat mice, rats, voles and other small animals. They kill their prey with venom. They swallow the entire animals. Pythons can live without eating for a year or more. Snakes cannot hear the noises around them but they hear through vibrations in the ground. If a person walks nearby, the snake can feel the movement.
Mongooses Live in a Group
They like to hunt together and keep watch on dangerous predators. They are very amusing animals to watch for. They are easily found in many parts of Africa. They are always careful from hawks, eagles and large snakes. They warn one another about the danger with a special alarm call.
They can kill snakes without getting hurt themselves. Their reactions are so fast that they can move quickly each time the snake strikes. The children of mongooses are raised by the whole group. When most of the adults are out looking for food, one or two males stay behind to guard their children.
They were first domesticated many thousands of years ago. They have long, shaggy winter coast to keep warm and shorter, tidier coats in summer to keep cool. A thirsty camel can drink up to thirty gallons of water. They get moisture from desert plants ans can survive for up to 10 months without water.
There are Two Type of Camels
One has only a single hump and the other has two humps. The humps help the animals to survive in the desert by acting as storage containers. They do not store water and are full of fats. These help camels when food is not available. There are many other ways in which camels are adapted to desert life. Their mouths are so tough that even the sharp thorn cannot pierce through.