desert ecosystems

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Greenland landslide triggered global seismic event for nine days
desert bats growing threats

Desert bats face the growing, twin threats of white-nose syndrome and wind turbines

Protecting the Southwest’s winged mammals from the menaces coming to their roosts and their flight paths first requires changing the public’s perspectives of the keystone species.

Arizona contemplates desalinated water from Mexico
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Amid drought, Arizona to study project that pipes in water from Mexico

As Arizona's water supply from the Colorado River dwindles, it is studying a $5 billion project to desalinate ocean water in Mexico and pump it 200 miles across the border.
bighorn sheep rocks
Photo by Leslie Cross on Unsplash

As climate changes make desert water scarce, the debate over livestock vs. wildlife heats up

Man-made guzzlers are often the only sources of water for bighorn sheep and other endangered animals in Southern California deserts. Now, the unprecedented drought across the West is putting them at risk.
Arizona climate change data hotter, drier future

Latest Arizona climate change data suggests a hotter, drier future

NOAA’s 2022 Arizona Climate Summary says the state got hotter and rainfall remained highly variable from 2017-20. This might not sound like news, but experts say we need to take a closer look at the changes – especially increased nighttime temperatures in metro Phoenix.
The desert’s ‘skin’ is disappearing—tiny lab-grown plants could save it

The desert’s ‘skin’ is disappearing—tiny lab-grown plants could save it

Biocrusts form a critical living layer on barren desert, preventing ruinous dust storms and anchoring plants. Scientists are trying to grow the complex systems and transplant them.

The race to build solar power in the desert — and protect rare plants and animals
therevelator.org

The race to build solar power in the desert — and protect rare plants and animals

As development of large solar projects speeds up, researchers race against the clock to study the ecosystem implications.
Why a new jaguar sighting near the Arizona-Mexico border gives experts hope

Why a new jaguar sighting near the Arizona-Mexico border gives experts hope

The exclusive finding suggests the jaguar's range may be expanding—and a new study verifies the U.S. has plentiful habitat to reclaim if the cats can reach it.
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