Joshua Tree National Park is home to 2,317 documented species across 13 categories, including 7 threatened or endangered species and 1238 native species.
Biodiversity Overview
Species by Category
Native vs Non-Native Species
Abundance Distribution
| Abundance Level | Species Count | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| NA | 1,455 | 62.8% |
| Common | 543 | 23.4% |
| Rare | 91 | 3.9% |
| Uncommon | 84 | 3.6% |
| Occasional | 84 | 3.6% |
| Abundant | 37 | 1.6% |
Threatened & Endangered Species
Endangered Species List
Joshua Tree National Park contains 7 species with federal threatened or endangered status.
| Species | Category | Status | Nativeness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow-billed Cuckoo | Bird | NA | Native |
| desert tortoise | Reptile | NA | Native |
| Coachella milkvetch, Coachella Valley milk-vetch, Palm Springs freckled milkvetch | Vascular Plant | EN | Native |
| greater yellowthroat gilia, Monterey gilia | Vascular Plant | EN | Native |
| Hoffmann's gilia, Hoffmann's slender-flowered gilia | Vascular Plant | EN | Native |
| Parish's Daisy | Vascular Plant | NA | Native |
| Triple-ribbed Milkvetch | Vascular Plant | EN | Native |
Conservation Priorities
Of the 2,317 species in Joshua Tree National Park, 7 require active conservation management. The most species-rich category is Vascular Plant with 1,314 documented species.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many species are in Joshua Tree National Park?
Joshua Tree National Park has 2,317 documented species across 13 categories. Vascular Plant is the largest category with 1,314 species.
Are there endangered species in Joshua Tree National Park?
Yes, Joshua Tree National Park is home to 7 threatened or endangered species requiring conservation management.
What is the most common wildlife category?
The most common category is Vascular Plant (1,314 species), followed by Insect (342).
Data Source: National Park Service (NPS) Biodiversity Database.
Last Updated: April 10, 2026