This act transferred the lands known as the East Mojave National Scenic Area from the Bureau of Land Management to the National Park Service. The National Park Service administers a variety of ecosystems in the Mojave National Preserve to preserve the region's natural and cultural resources. The desert in the Mojave National Preserve ranges in elevation from less than 1000 feet to almost 8000 feet. The best months for visiting are October through May. Wildlife is abundant and over 300 different species of animals including desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyotes and desert tortoises roam the area.
Many birds live in the area.
Golden eagles and several types of hawks can be seen soaring on the desert thermals. Quail, chukar and mourning doves, as well as many other smaller species of birds, live in the canyons and washes where they are able to find water, food and vegetation for cover. Desert plants are especially adapted to living in this arid climate. Many have small leaves with waxy coverings to minimize moisture loss, while cacti store large volumes of water. Other plants, such as the creosote, have developed extensive or deep root systems that enable them to gather the precious water.