Frequently Asked Questions about Wildlife Cameras in Tohono Chul Park

Q Do the wildlife cameras capture pictures of all wildlife in their field of vision?
A No, Only animals which whose movement can be detected by a sensor in the camera are able to trip the shutter and which remain in the field of vision during the delay between being sensed and being photographed are captured in digital images. Therefore, most if not all of the insects and arachnids are not captured by the cameras. Most of what are captured in the images of the wildlife cameras are birds (e.g. quail, cactus wren, Abert's towhee) and mammals (e.g. desert cottontails, coyotes, javelina and bobcat). A few reptiles (e.g. lizards) are seen in some of the photos.
Q Where else can I see and learn about wildlife in Tohono Chul Park?
A Walking through the park, there are many opportunities to observe wildlife. These opportunities are enhanced by docents who answer questions on the trails, provide explanations at eco-stations, and lead tours through the park. The Exhibit House offers interesting perspectives on wildlife in the park, and some of the sculptures on the grounds of the park are directly related to the wildlife. A few of the many factors that affect both the wildlife captured in images of the wildlife cameras and that affect the wildlife you will see while walking in the part include the availability of food, ambient temperature, rainfall, presence of prey and predators and and migratory patterns. Because the park is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except on days when night-time events occur (e.g. Holiday Nights), it is difficult to observe the nocturnal behavior of wildlife, particularly in the summer when many animals are active after their daily estivation (low level of activity to escape the heat). The wildlife cameras have been successful in capturing black-and_white images of mammals such as dessert cottontails, coyotes, javelina, and bobcats at night. Children are always welcome to learn more about the wildlife of the park in theatrical performances of the Desert Players, and docent present information about wildlife and other topics at venues outside the park upon request.
Q Does Tohono Chul have any printed materials that can help explain what I have seen in the images of the wildlife cameras in the southern part of the park?
A Yes, The museum shops (La Fuente, La Entrada, and La Galeria) sell many books regarding the wildlife of the Sonoran Desert and other aspects of the Sonoran Desert which are very useful in learning more about the wildlife of Tohono Chul Park.
Q What mammals have been photographed in the Park by the wildlife cameras?
A Desert cottontails, black-tailed jackrabbits, round-tailed ground squirrels, white-throated woodrats (packrats), coyotes, bobcats, javelina, a raccoon and possibly a fox.
Q What birds have been photographed in Tohono Chul Park by the wildlife cameras?
A Gambel's quail, lesser goldfinches, mourning doves, white-winged doves, Abert's towhees, cactus wrens, hummingbirds, and a turkey vulture.
Q Have any arthropods been photographed in Tohono Chul Park by the wildlife camera?
A A millipede was photographed at location 1-04.
Q Have any reptiles been photographed in Tohono Chul Park by the wildlife camera?
A A desert spiney lizard was photographed at locations 2-04 and 4-04.

Back to the map of wildlife camera locations in Tohono Chul Park