Saguaro National Park in Arizona is a protected wilderness area managed by the US National Park Service. Visitors can hike, camp, and bird watch while observing various plant and animal species, including the iconic saguaro cactus. The park is part of the Sonoran Desert and is home to over 60 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 100 reptile species. Activities include guided tours and educational materials on Native American culture. The saguaro cactus is not endangered but is threatened by human encroachment. The cactus is vital to the park’s ecosystem and provides food and shelter for various wildlife.
Named for the saguaro cactus, Saguaro National Park is located outside of Tucson, Arizona and is home to a variety of plant and animal species. The park was designated a protected wilderness area in 1975 and is now managed by the US National Park Service. Park visitors can hike, camp, bird watch, and enjoy other wildlife. Saguaro National Park is one of the largest habitats in the United States for the Saguaro cactus.
Saguaro National Park has varied terrain, which includes the Rincon and Tucson Mountains. It is also part of the Sonoran Desert, which covers much of Arizona and part of Mexico. The Sonoran Desert is one of the largest deserts in the United States and is richly populated with wildlife.
In addition to the giant saguaro cactus, a symbol of the American West, the 91,000-acre Saguaro National Park is home to numerous varieties of plants and animals. About 60 mammal species, 350 bird species and 100 reptile species reside in the park. A nearby area is one of the only remaining habitats for jaguars in the United States. Other common wildlife includes hares, quail, roadrunners and desert tortoises.
Over 70,000 acres of Saguaro National Park was designated a wilderness area in 1976. A wilderness area is a tract of land dedicated by the United States government to preserve clean water, natural habitats, and endangered species. In 1994, the area was granted federal park status and is now managed by the US National Park Service.
Park activities include hiking, camping, bird watching, and guided walking tours. Curricular materials on Native American geography, wildlife, and culture are available for field trips. In winter the average temperature is around 65°C (19°F) during the day and 40°C (5°F) at night, making it a popular winter destination. Summer daytime temperatures exceed 105°F (41°C) in the shade with an average of 72°F (22°C) at night.
Saguaro National Park officials conduct a census of the saguaro cactus every ten years. This symbol of the American West is vital to the Saguaro National Park ecosystem. The saguaro cactus is long-lived and is not an endangered species. It is also not susceptible to plant diseases. The biggest threat to the saguaro cactus population is encroachment by humans as Arizona’s population expands.
Woodpeckers, purple martins, finches and even owls nest in the cactus and eat the insects that live there. Bats feed on the nectar and pollen of the saguaro flower, which is the official state flower of Arizona. Saguaro fruit was harvested by Native Americans and made into jam, syrup, and wine.
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