From Desert Floor to Sky Islands, Revealing the Secret Biodiversity of Southeast Arizona!

When you hear the word “desert”, you may think of relentless heat and a barren landscape. But in fact, the region of southeast Arizona’s riparian growth and towering mountains is a biodiversity hotspot, filled with creatures of every color and shape! An incredible 90 reptile species, over 400 bird species, nearly 20 amphibians, 200+ arachnids and over 2,400 insects call this region their home. Today, we’ll take you through our many excursions to Southeast Arizona, disclosing its mysteries and how to have your own adventure among the diverse communities emerging during the day and night!

The Desert Floor: Nocturnally and Diurnally

The valleys and foothills in Southeast Arizona are rich in flora and fauna, but present many challenges. One of the toughest is enduring the intense heat, as the most active time for wildlife, during the day and night, is summer. We’ve experienced daytime temps of 114 degrees F, which is quite brutal, especially with an absent breeze! Although these conditions will challenge your abilities, we have found (and caught) countless snakes, lizards and other creatures, not to mention the dozens of birds we’ve photographed. (Disclosure: arrive at your location at or before sunrise to maximize your bird encounters, with reptile activity increasing later.) 

Jaxson with a Gopher Snake

Greater Roadrunner

An important consideration is searching near washes and foothills where the vegetation density is higher, providing shelter for predators and prey. An ideal location to start with is Sabino Canyon Rec Area.

Nocturnal activity:

While you won’t see too many bird species, everything else will be at its peak! Start your adventure by hiking the foothills or along a wash, which can produce just about anything. The hotter the night, the better (not for you of course!). Always take it slow, and constantly watch your step and your surroundings. The slower your pace, the more you will find! June-September is probably the most active, from evening to past midnight is our recommendation. The nighttime is certainly makes your search a lot more productive and easier, just with a different array of encounters!

Camel Spider

Photographing Desert Night Snake

Jaxson holds a Desert Blonde Tarantula

The Sky Islands:

Incredibly diverse, and incredibly different. Once you enter the sky island, it feels like a whole new world. When theses isolated ranges rise up from the desert floor, they create they’re own unique habitats, with their own unique species. The “Sky Islands” are much cooler than below, supporting as much or more plants and animals. Typically, the daytime is more active, especially in summer, teeming with amazing birds, reptiles and mammals. Madera canyon is a highlight of Southeast Arizona, easy to access and guaranteed success with some work! Hiking the Carrie nation trail and finishing your day at Santa Rita Lodge is our go-to! (Be sure to listen for the Elegant Trogon!). We’ve seen everything from the rare Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake, to Hummingbirds that look straight out of South America! 

Jameson holds a Madrean Alligator Lizard

Elegant Trogan

Male, Broad Billed Hummingbird

Conclusion: 

We can assume this area is not on your bucket list, but you should think again! With added effort, these habitats within the world’s most biodiverse desert can reward you with many encounters covering all types of animals that you won’t find anywhere else in the country! We hope to find you exploring these places for yourself, using our tips and making some of your own. Sincerely, good luck and keep it wild!