Refuge Wildlife

USFWS Photo

Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for wildlife, especially rare fish, plants, snails, and insects, many of which are found nowhere else on earth. Water bubbles up from underground into clear spring pools as silvery blue and grayish green pupfish dart between swaying strands of algae. Pebbled streams gurgle from small hillside springs, sheltering tiny beetles and snails. The water is warm, the air moist, in contrast to the surrounding Mojave Desert.

Four of the seven species of fish present in refuge waters are endangered; the other three are introduced exotic species. Ash Meadows pupfish are visible year-round at all the major springs and streams on the refuge, but are most visible and colorful at Point of Rocks. Male pupfish take on a bluish cast during the spring and summer breeding season, whereas females remain olive green year round. Look for the Ash Meadows speckled dace at Jackrabbit Spring. Non-native, introduced species such as largemouth bass, mosquitofish, sailfin mollie, bullfrog, and crayfish are being removed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as they are harmful to the native fishes through competition for the same limited resources.

Over 239 different species of birds have been recorded on the refuge. Migration periods are best for greatest diversity and numbers. Spring migration usually occurs during April and May, and fall migration from mid-August through September. During the winter, marshes and reservoirs support the largest variety of water birds. Mesquite and ash tree groves at Refuge Headquarters and Point of Rocks harbor resident and migratory birds year-round, including typical Southwestern species such as crissal thrasher, verdin, phainopepla, and Lucy's warbler. A refuge bird list is available at the headquarters and online.

Over 27 species of mammals have been observed on the refuge. Visibility of mammals varies greatly due to the nocturnal habits of some and to seasonal hibernation. Watch for coyotes, blacktail jackrabbits, desert cottontails, and white-tailed antelope squirrel. Desert bighorn sheep are occasionally observed at Point of Rocks and Devil's Hole.

Reptiles and amphibians are most visible during the spring and fall. Five amphibians and 20 reptiles are known to occur on the refuge. Toads are most visible right after spring and summer rains, when they become very active feeding and breeding. Woodhouse toads are the most common species observed on the refuge. Look for large chuckwalla lizards on the rocky slopes near Devil's Hole and Point of Rocks during the early spring. Snakes are also seen more often during the spring and early fall and become more nocturnal during the heat of mid-summer. Coachwhip and gopher snakes are two of the more common snakes seen at Ash Meadows.