The mountain lion is the top predator in the Sonoran Desert, playing a crucial role in the food chain.

The mountain lion, also known as the cougar or puma, is the apex predator in the Sonoran Desert. With no natural predators of its own, it regulates the populations of other species, such as deer and smaller mammals, maintaining the balance of the desert ecosystem. Mountain lions are skilled hunters, using their strength, stealth, and keen senses to stalk and ambush their prey. They help prevent overgrazing by controlling herbivore populations, which in turn supports plant diversity, making them an essential part of desert ecology.