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Because of the parks unique ecosystems, fragile environment, and relatively untouched wilderness, the monument was designated as an International Biosphere Reserve in 1976 by the United Nations.
The Sonoran Desert is home to many amazing creatures, all adapted to extreme temperatures and scarce water. While visiting the park, mammals you may encounter include the Mountain Lion, Mule Deer, White-tailed Deer, Desert Bighorn Sheep, Sonoran Pronghorn, Javelina, Lesser Long Nosed Bat, Coyote, Jackrabbit, Kangaroo Rat, and the Pack Rat. Pay special attention to the Sonoran Pronghorn - it is listed as critically endangered, and there are estimated to be fewer than 60 individuals remaining in the US. Other animals you may find include the Gila Monster, Quitobaquito pupfish and Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. Birders will be pleased that there are many local and migrating birds to see in the park, some of which are endemic to the region. Search for interesting birds such as the Gila Woodpecker, Costa's hummingbird, Northern Cardinal, Cactus Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Canyon Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Gambel's Quail, Phainopepla, Cooper's Hawk, Pyrrhaloxia, Varied Bunting, Lucy's Warbler, Hooded and Scott's Oriole, Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, Common Poorwill, Golden Eagle, Turkey Vulture, Caracara, and Zone-tailed Hawk.
The Sonoran desert is much greener than most visitors expect, and full of cacti, desert succulents, trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. There are 28 species of cactus living in this region, including the Organ Pipe Cactus and the Giant Saguaro. Many of the columnar cacti such as these flower between May and July, with blooms opening in the cool evening to invite their bat pollinators. Spring is dominated by wildflowers such as gold poppies, blue lupines, and pink owl clover. Trees and shrubs provide an important shade resource in the desert to resting animals and germinating cactus seeds. Some of the interesting woody plants you can see at Organ Pipe Cactus are the Creosote, Brittle Bush, Jojoba, Palo Verde, Mesquite, Ironwood, Ocotillo, and the Elephant Tree.
