Desert Giant (pb): The World of the Saguaro Cactus

Discover how the majestic saguaro cactus serves as a vital desert ecosystem, providing homes for woodpeckers and owls while its flowers nourish bats, doves, and sustain Tohono O'odham harvest traditions.

A venerable saguaro cactus stands like a statue in the hot desert landscape, its armlike branches reaching fifty feet into the air. From a distance it appears to be completely still and solitary--but appearances can be deceptive. In fact, this giant tree of the desert is alive with activity....