A large number of animals and plants inhabit most of the world's desert regions despite conditions that are - supposedly - completely hostile to life. Dry, barren surroundings and severe fluctuations in temperature force them to adjust to their environment in quite special ways and to deal very carefully with the sparse water resources available. After a sudden rainfall, however, the wilderness often bursts into glorious color and the animal world witnesses astonishing activity. Life in the Gobi Desert is particularly diverse. After the Sahara Desert, the world's second largest arid area covers an area between China and Mongolia which exceeds one million square kilometers. Home to numerous insects and reptiles, it also hosts gazelles, leopards and wolves. Recently, the extremely sensitive eco-system has increasingly been put at risk - mainly as a result of human intervention. For this reason, Mongolia declared parts of the Gobi Desert national conservation areas at an early stage. Probably the best known desert creature is the Scorpion (SCORPIONES). Over 1,400 different kinds inhabit a huge variety of habitats across the world. The scorpions of the Gobi Desert have developed excellent protection against the extreme climatic conditions of the region: their chitin shells radiate heat, thus keeping them cool. What's more, they are nocturnal creatures - during the day, they prefer to stay under rocks or in mouse-holes. Scorpions are carnivores. Their poisonous sting helps them to defend themselves against their enemies and to kill their prey. Minted from 25 grams of .925 Sterling Silver, this coin has a piece of Swarovski Crystal for a stinger! Comes in a mint issued hand-rubbed hardwood presentation box.