Wild horses and donkeys dug desert wells used by 57 vertebrate species
Research in the Sonoran and Mojave deserts shows that wild horses and donkeys dig wells that provide essential water for 57 different vertebrate species. These wells often become the primary water source during dry spells, suggesting a complex ecological role for these animals.
Why it matters
The findings challenge the traditional view of invasive species by highlighting their potential positive impact on biodiversity in arid climates.
When summer heat dries up streams in the Sonoran Desert, wild horses and donkeys can do something unexpected: dig for water. Researchers began tracking these animal-made wells in 2015, mapping their water supply across four Arizona sites over three summers. By 2018, they had found that the wells could provide up to 74% of the surface water available at one site. Cameras also recorded 57 vertebrate species, from songbirds to mountain lions, visiting wells across the Sonoran and Mojave deserts. The findings, reported by Science News and Arizona State University, add a surprising dimension to the debate over animals often labelled invasive: in some places, their digging may help other species through dry spells, even as the broader impacts of horses and donkeys remain complex.Digging for waterThe study began with an observation by ecologist Erick Lundgren.
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