Mule Deer, Desert Bighorn and Quail

Here are two videos which show the interaction and mutual dependence of wild species. In this case, large herbivores and desert quail.

Many species of animals – big and small – are coming to water, alfalfa and salt. These include the deer and sheep shown in the videos…

…and cattle, aoudad, burros, pronghorn, llamas and others.: an entire community of animals.  All leave behind  dung. The quail peck through the dung, looking for tasty tidbits, and for the insects that the dung attracts and hosts.  The fertility transfers of dung around the water point, and trampling, stimulates the growth of plants, and suppresses brush.

Predators like this coyote are part of this animal community.  All are necessary to animal and ecosystem health.