The fauna is representative of that found in the upper Sonoran and Transition Life Zones throughout the Southwest. A number of gemsbok, introduced from Africa, have taken up residence throughout the range. The ubiquitous coyote is the most abundant of the carnivorous animals. Rabbit and rodent populations are cyclic. Several rodent species are abundant in grama grasslands and shrub dominated areas.
Rodents are least abundant in the tobosa and burrograss areas.
Both rodents and rabbits can consume large quantities of forage when they are abundant. The Experimental Range, like areas throughout the northern Chihuahuan Desert, is an important wintering ground for grassland birds. Seed eaters and raptors are common during winter months. Insect populations are seasonal and reach peak abundance during late summer. Foliage feeding insects, such as grasshoppers, can periodically reach high densities and can compete with larger herbivores for available forage.