Donna P. Bessken

“ Often escape exits save rodents from predators. Are there recent tracks nearby to indicate it is an active burrow, or is it covered with sand and debris blown in by the wind?
Inside these burrows the temperature and living conditions are not as extreme as those on the surface of the sand. Try digging a small hole in the sand well away from bushes. How soon does the sand change as you dig? Is it warmer or cooler or wetter? Beneath the surface the moderate temperatures and increased moisture provide an escape from the intense heat. ”

“ A windborne grain bounces a short distance before crashing into the sandy surface sending other grains into flight. The process continues as the wind carries the new grains a little farther, crashing them, in turn, into the surface and other grains along the way. Sand grains too heavy to blow in the wind creep along the surface of the sand, while smaller ones are truly airborne above the dunes. As a consequence, the entire sand surface flows or creeps along. ”

“ They are very efficient water conservationists. Although water is essential to the kangaroo rat, they rarely drink, but produce their own water from insects and dry seeds they eat. They have no sweat glands, and excrete highly concentrated wastes to minimize water loss.
These rodents are not related to kangaroos at all! Their name refers to their hind legs which are highly developed for jumping.
Watch for their tracks—when a kangaroo rat is moving slowly, it drags its tail which leaves a trail in the sand in conjunction with its foot prints. When the rat moves quickly, its tail doesn’t drag. ”

“ As the Nation’s principal conservation agency, the Department of the Interior has basic responsibilities for water, fish, wildlife, mineral, land, park and recreational resources. Indian and territorial affairs are other major concerns of America’s “Department of Natural Resources.” The Department works to assure the wisest choice in managing all our resources so each will make its full contribution to a better United States—now and in the future. ”

“ Dunes in Death Valley consist of sand from local materials found in nearby mountains. The primary source of this sand is believed to be the Cottonwood Mountains to the west and northwest. Although the shapes and patterns of individual dunes may vary daily or seasonally, the dune field itself is relatively stable. ”

“ It moves in a sidewise manner leaving a series of parallel, J-shaped tracks in the sand.
By looping across the sand, the sidewinder reduces slippage over the loose material and decreases the amount of body surface in contact with the hot sand. Sidewinders are primarily active at night, and escape the heat of the day under a bush or buried in the sand, exposing only the small horn-like structures on their heads. They eat kangaroo rats, mice and lizards.
Imagine the dunes as an ocean where all the sand is water and plants are islands scattered about. ”

“ Each island offers shelter and a food supply for the animals. Everytime an animal leaves the security of an island it takes a risk. In daylight, people may play in the sand, but at night the dunes come alive with the real business of survival. Usually all we see of this activity the following morning is the evidence—tracks. Some tracks are easily identified—each tells a story. Use the diagrams to determine which animals most recently crossed the sea of sand around you.
KIT FOX
Coyotes come into the dunes for food. ”

“ True opportunists, they eat whatever is available—mice, kangaroo rats, rabbits, insects, mesquite beans and many other things. Their tracks are difficult to distinguish from those left by domestic dogs. ”

“ Consequently, dune residents spend the day in their dens and are active at night.
Kangaroo rats, for example, cannot tolerate heat and escape it by living underground. Also they are active only at night. ”

“ They feed on plants, getting moisture from their food rather than from distant springs. Large ears radiate excess body heat and help cool the animal as it rests in shaded areas during the hot day.
Have you seen any birds? Birds also leave tracks! The large bird tracks here are generally left by ravens—big, black birds which eat almost anything. In the spring and fall, some migrating birds stop briefly. Shrikes, sparrows, kingbirds and blackbirds are among the visitors and residents of the dunes. Insects and vegetation provide food and shelter for them.
BEETLE
Have you seen any insects? ”