What makes Grand Canyon

National Park so remarkable is

that it boasts five different

ecosystems throughout the park,

all supporting a diversity of plants

and animals.

In fact, if you hiked from the

Colorado River to the North Rim

of the Grand Canyon, along the

way youd see different

ecosystems that can be found

from Canada to Mexico.

The Grand Canyon is home to:

1,750 plant species

373 bird species

91 mammal species

57 amphibian and reptile species

17 fish species

8,400+ insect species1

At more than a mile deep, differences

in elevation, temperature, and

precipitation result in very different

environments, from the canyon rim to

the river. Lets explore.

The boreal forest is found on the North Rim

of the Grand Canyon, and receives the most

rainfall every year. The forest is dominated by

tree species like quaking aspen, Douglas fir,

and other evergreen trees. Animals that

inhabit the boreal forest include:

Elk: several different species can be

found in the boreal forest.

Black bear: while seen less frequently,

black bears are known to inhabit the

boreal forest.

Wild turkey: frequently seen in meadows

on the North Rim.

Found on both the North and South Rims

of the Grand Canyon, the ponderosa

pine forests contain trees that can grow

to be 125 feet tall and live 500 years.

Animals include:

Squirrel: the three different types

include the Aberts squirrel, the

Kaibab squirrel, and the golden-

mantled ground squirrel.

Mule deer: can weigh up to 200

pounds and feed on bushes/shrubs.

Sapsucker woodpecker: as its name

suggests, feasts on tree sap.

Also called a pygmy or dwarf woodland, the

pinyon-juniper woodlands are found below the

North and South canyon rims, and feature highly

drought-resistant plants and trees. These

woodlands are home to:

Bobcat: resembling a lynx, bobcats hunt

cottontail rabbits, and other small mammals.

Pinyon jay: beautiful blue jays that can store up

to 50 seeds in their throats.

Ring-tailed cat: a member of the raccoon family,

ring-tailed cats have long, bushy, striped tails.

Receiving only 7 inches of rain per year, the

desert scrub is very dry and features short

scrubby bushes and cacti. Temperatures can

soar to over 100 degrees F. Animals include:

Bighorn sheep: known for their incredible

curved horns (males), bighorn sheep can

scale near-vertical cliffs.

Javelina: a member of the peccary family

(and resembling pigs), the javelina has a

tough snout to feast on cactus.

Scorpion: an iconic symbol of the desert,

there are three species of scorpions in

the canyon.

Riparian refers to plants and animals that live

along the banks of a river. Animals that make

their home along the Colorado River at the

bottom of the Grand Canyon include:

Canyon tree frog: a small frog that lives in

perennial or intermittent streams in the

canyon.

Beaver: these large rodents cut willows,

cottonwoods, and shrubs for food.

Coyote: coyotes can be found virtually

everywhere in the national park, they are

among the most numerous predators.

Grand Canyon National Park attracts millions of visitors from all over

the world every year. With such stunning beauty and abundant

wildlife, its no wonder the area is such a popular destination.

Theres no limit to the things you can do during your visit to the

national park. From a Grand Canyon air tour to river rafting to hiking,

there are endless ways to explore this geological wonder.

Scenic Airlines is the largest and most experienced

aerial tour operator in the world, specializing in

charter Grand Canyon airplane tours and Grand

Canyon tours. Scenic has pioneered the aerial

sightseeing industry since it began tours in 1967.

Our Grand Canyon air tours showcase the most

impressive landscapes of the National Parks,

allowing visitors from all over the world to

experience the rich beauty of the Southwest.

Scenic offers over 20 unique tours varying from

easy and relaxed to adventure expeditions. Tours

range from a one-hour, air-only sightseeing flight,

to a three-day, two-night program throughout the

Southwest. Visit www.scenic.com for tour

information or call (800) 634-6801.

1. http://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/education/upload/EcoArticle-Dec2011-12.pdf