.. rodent stick-nests are primary habitat and resources for many herps and other animals in the opuntia and mesquite scrub and desert in deep south Texas.. example:
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.. tortoises especially use the nests as shelter, here's one emerging from the nest in the first photo.
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... a frequent sight is an active rodent nest constructed on top of (and underneath) a stand of Opuntia cactus.. The cactus is food and water for the rodents plus some protection from predators..
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.. tortoises use these nests year-round.. the relatively smooth entrance at the lower leftt of the pile in that image was obviously maintained by a tortoise..
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.. here's the critter.. (smart guys will tell what sex it is just from that image)..
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Here's an overview of this area..
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The area is home to a large number of species though it may take several visits and some extensive walking to meet many of them..
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Thanks for visiting.. Adios!
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