Deserts are extreme environments where temperatures fluctuate widely, winds reach high speeds, and where rainfall is sparse and erratic. Despite these adverse conditions, a host of highly adapted and unique biological organisms have evolved to live in the desert.  In order to understand, and ultimately conserve these biological communities, we begin with a look at the ecology of the Southwestern deserts.

Despite the physical harshness of the Southwest desert environment, human development is encroaching at a rapid rate. Humans are having numerous effects on the ecology of the Southwest. To further promote understanding and conservation, we explore the various human impacts on Southwestern Deserts and how these impacts can be minimized.