Common animals include bats, monkeys, lizards, snakes, and colorful birds. Savannas are tropical or subtropical grasslands that exist in many parts of the world and have a wealth of unique wildlife. Grasses sustain the abundant life of the savanna. Widely spaced umbrella-shaped trees are often the only plant life taller than the grasses. The larger, more well known of savanna mammals include giraffes, elephants, lions, zebras, baboons, hyenas, and wildebeests.
Deserts are extremely dry areas that are hot during the day and often cool at night.
Hot deserts surrounding Utah include the Mohave, Sonoran, and Painted Deserts. Hot deserts are typically warm in both the summer and winter months and rarely experience snow. Here, you will find cacti and small-leafed shrubs that must live for long periods of time without water. Rattlesnakes, kangaroo rats, roadrunners, ringtails, and deer mice are some animals of the desert. When cacti are present, birds often use them for shelter and food.