WILD LIFE IN ITS RELATION TO VIATER IN THE ARID SOUTHWEST 
 
J. Stokley Ligon 
Through ages of adaptation to meet the extreme climatic 
conditions imposed by nature, several species of game animals and 
birds are able much of the time to live and thrive in the arid 
southwest regardless of the total absence of water.  This adapta- 
tion is marked by two outstanding characteristics on the part of 
species long confronted by the stern necessity of living without 
this precious fluid known to us as water: (1) resorting to succulent 
plant life which serves as a substitute for water, and. (2) so con- 
ducting their daily lives as to reduce to a minimum their water re- 
quirement. 
Fortunately, during the long hot summer period when 
water or a substitute for it is most needed, water-storing plants 
which are sought by these species for the quenching of thirst con- 
tain the maximum quantity of water.  !any of the desert growing 
plants, as agaves, yuccas and cacti, have the very important function 
of storing ani conserving water regardless of the annual rainfall. 
The agaves and yuccas especially are high in water content while 
not only the leaves but also the fruits of cacti are eaten by most 
species of game animals and birds. 
f      Altho desert mountain sheep, antelope, mule deer, peccaries, 
jackirabbits and Mearns and scaled quail, as well as other species, 
do drink during the dryest and hottest periods when water is available,