Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is known for its large number of bird species, but many other animals are also present throughout the year. The availability of water brings the bighorn sheep and other animals into the canyon during the hot, dry summer months.
REPTILES and AMPHIBIANS
Several species of reptiles and amphibians are present at the Preserve, including rosy boas, red diamond rattlesnakes, California kingsnakes, Great Basin whiptail lizards, Western side-blotched lizards, desert spiny lizards, Western red-tailed skinks, and Baja California treefrogs. For the complete list of reptiles and amphibians seen at BMCP, click HERE.
BUTTERFLIES
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is home to at least 74 species of butterflies, with more likely to be found. The Preserve’s 31,000+ acres contain a wide variety of habitats – Sonoran and Mojave Desert ecosystems, riparian woodlands, former cultivated lands, stands of Joshua trees and Mojave yuccas, and pinyon, oak, and juniper woodlands. Its proximity to the higher San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains and to northwest Mexico adds potential for rare strays. Lorquin’s admiral, painted lady, great purple hairstreak, Becker’s white, and western tiger swallowtail are just a few of the varied and colorful species found along the Preserve’s trails. Two pollinator gardens near the Natural Science Education Center are good places to learn about some of Big Morongo’s lovely and diverse butterflies.For the complete list of butterflies seen at BMCP, click here.
MAMMALS
The Preserve is home to a number of mammals, including mule deer, desert bighorn sheep, raccoons, bobcats, coyotes, and kangaroo rats and other rodents. For a list of the mammals documented or expected to occur within the Preserve, with notes on their occurrence, click here.