By: Ally Kroger and Roman Mohammed No alternate names*

Location  Desert – An area where evaporation exceeds precipitation.  Found in North America, South America, Australia, Arabian Peninsula, Syria, Israel, Africa, and Southern parts of Asia  Endangered species: Desert Tortoise found in Saguaro National Park Mojave Desert Deserts around the world

Climate  In winter temperatures reach 0ºF in summer upwards of 120ºF  6.63 Inches of rain annually  Downwind sides of mountains due to rain shadow effect  Soil has little vegetation and moisture to store heat  Skies usually clear

Plant Adaptation  Saguaro Cactus has prickly spines Long roots - absorb water and stores in thick stem  Creosote Bush For protection uses smell and taste Tiny leaves close their pores during day ○ avoid water loss Open pores at night to absorb moisture  Ocotillo Become dormant during dry periods. Spring to life when water becomes available.

Animal Adaptation  Jackrabbit Large ears lined with shallow blood vessels allow air to cool their blood  Golden eagle Rises above the heat, finding cooler temperatures  Desert Tortoise Most active in the morning and early evening When not active, seek shelter in burrows or rock crevices drink huge quantities of water when available

Soil and Chemical Cycling  Soil is sandy or rocky with good drainage  Fairly low salt concentration  Soil quality is low Low moisture content  Slow nutrient cycling Little bacterial activity

Economic Value  Mojave Desert provides more than $1 billion annually in economic benefits Tourism, film industry, military testing and training  people pay more for homes near protected open spaces  Resources

Human Disturbances  Soil destruction by off-road vehicles  Depletion of underground water supplies  Pollution from mineral extraction  Storage of toxic and radioactive wastes  Solar cells

Part 2 Endangered Species

Characteristics  U.S.A., California, Mojave Desert  Mojave desert and Sonoran Desert  Grass, herbs, wildflowers, NG cacti, fruits, and soil (rocks)  95% in burrows  140 degree ground, reproduce in summer/fall

Why?  Urbanization, Disease, Habitat destruction, and fragmentation  Illegal collection, and Vandalism by humans  Crushing by automobiles

Level of Endangerment  Listed as federally threatened species  90% decline since  3,200 in 2000 – 1,700 in 2007  2-3 in a 100 live to become adults

Laws  Endangered species act  T.A.P.  Touch, harm, harass, or collect

Part 3 Laws that apply

ESA  Enacted by the 93 rd United States Progress  Richard Nixon signed it December 28, 1973

Provisions  Taking, possession, sale, and transport.  It provides the authority to acquire land for conservation by purchasing the areas needed with water and land conservation funds.

Enforcements  US Fish and Wildlife Service Can arrest you without a warrant if caught breaking any of the rules

Changes  The number of animals and plants on the list  More and more species are being added on

APPLICATION  The Desert Tortoise is endangered Save us PLEASE!!!! We’re endangered