Chaparral is a shrubland plant community mostly seen in the regions of the U.S. state of California, in southern Oregon, and in the northern portion of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico. There are many amazing facts about Chaparral Biome that you all should know such as westerly winds first come into contact with continents. There are many animals adapted to the Chaparral regions, Here is the list of 10 common chaparral animals in the world,
Chaparral Animals
1. Cougar
The cougar commonly known as a puma, mountain lion, or panther mostly seen in North America. The appearance is similar to house cars, however, the size is bigger in size. The body length of a cougar is between 1.5 to 2.7 meters from head to tail, however, average wieght differs between males and females. The coloration is grayish tan to reddish color with lighter parts on the underside. There is a unique black spot at the end of the tail. The avarage lifespan of a cougar is upto 10 years of age, however, in captivity, cougars can live as long as 20 years.
Image Source: Wikimedia
2. Bobcat
Bobcat is a close relative of the lynx and can be found across North America (from Canada to Mexico). The body length of the bobcat is between 25 to 41 inches and the average weight is between 10 to 28 pounds of weight. The animal species is named after a short (2 to 8 inches long) bobbed tail. The dietary habit is carnivores in nature and feeds on rodents, birds, lizards, snakes, and carrion, however, during winter season, they feed on larger prey, such as deer. The natural predators of bobcats include mountain lions, coyotes, foxes, grey wolves, birds of prey, and humans. The average lifespan of the bobcat is between 12 to 13 years in the wild.
Image Source: Wikimedia
3. Red Fox
Red Fox is one of the types of foxes that can run upto 31 mph and can jump over 6 ft high fences. The male species of red foxes are known as dog foxes and female ones are known as vixens, however, young foxes are known as cubs, pups, or kits. These animal species are very well regarded for thier cleverness and resourcefulness which is very helpful in relying on their athleticism and agility to hunt and survive in the wild. The primary diet includes birds, amphibians, and fruit. The avarage lifespan of a Red fox is between 3 to 4 years in the wild.
4. American Black Bear
The American Black Bear’s scientific name is Ursus americanus also known as Black Bear or North American Black Bear and hence listed as one of the popular black animals in the world. It is the most common bear species native to North America. Talking about the appearance, it has a black coat which is usually black but it can also be dark brown, cinnamon, or yellow-brown. The eyes are brown, however, blue at birth and the skin color is light gray. The mating season is during the months of June and July. The gestation period of 215 days and usually between 2 to 3 cubs per litter but it can go upto as large as 5.
5. Common Raven
Common Raven also known as the Northern Raven is the largest of the passerines (perching birds) found in the regions of the United States and most of Canada. The bird species is almost black and has upto 4 ft wingspan and is over two feet from head to tail. Ravens and crows differ in appearance Ravens have larger bills, tail shapes, and flight patterns, and by their large size. Ravens are as big as Red-tailed Hawks, and crows are about the size of pigeons. The avarage lifespan of the common raven is between 6 to 10 years in the wild.
Image Source: Wikimedia
6. Pronghorn
The pronghorn’s scientific name is Antilocapra americana is a unique North American mammal also known as American antelope, however, isn’t related to antelope at all. These skinny animals are the only surviving members of the family Antilocapridae. These are distributed across the regions of treeless plains, basins, and deserts of western North America, Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico. The avarage lifespan of Pronghorn is upto 10 years in the wild. Pronghorn have the largest eyes of any North American as compared to its body.
Image Source: Wikimedia
7. Great Horned Owl
Great Horned Owl is one of the popular Owls in Illinois that belong to the family Bucerotidae. Talking about the appearance, it is a large owl that comes with ear tufts and barred feathers on the underside of its body. These types of owls are common in Washington state and have a bright white patch at the throat that expands during vocalization. The body size is between 45 to 63 cm and the average weight is between 0.9 to 1.8 kg. The avarage lifespan of a great horned owl is 5 to 12 years in the wild. These horned owls have most identifiable call like ‘who-who-who-who!’ It is also listed as one of the types of owls in Southern California.
8. White-Tailed Deer
White Tailed Deer’s scientific name is Odocoileus virginianus and is the smallest member of the North American deer family. The adult species have reddish-brown coats in summer, however, they will turn duller grayish-brown in winter. The male species of deer is known as bucks and the name White-tailed refers to the white underside of the deer’s tail, which it displays and wags when it senses danger. These are mostly seen in the regions of North America from southern Canada through Central America.
Image Source: Wikimedia
9. Ring Necked Snake
Ring Necked Snake is one of the most common chaparral animals and the cutest snakes that can be found throughout North America. These snake species are quite shy and can be easily spotted in the wild since they are colubrid snakes. The scientific name is Diadophis punctatus and is commonly known as a Ring-necked snake or Ringneck snake that is very brightly colored. The avarage lifespan of a ring-necked snake is upto 10+ years in the wild. These species are Nocturnal and hunt for their food at night. It is also listed as one of the black snakes with yellow stripes in the world.
10. Turkey Vulture
Turkey Vulture is one of the chaparral animals which is closely related to the stork. The scientific name of the bird species is “cleansing breeze.” and like other vultures, it has a bald head. Turkey vultures are the only scavenger birds that can’t kill their prey and feed by thrusting their heads into the body cavities of rotting animals.
These black birds with red heads have an amazing sense of smell and are capable of smelling carrion from over a mile away which is actually very unique in the world of birds. As per researchers, they are capable of traveling upto 200 miles in a day. The avarage lifespan of a turkey vulture is upto 16 years in the wild and upto 30 years in captivity. It is also listed as one of the brown birds with red head.
These are some of the most common chaparral animals in the world. Kindly share and post your comments
