The Chihuahuan Desert is one of the most naturally diverse regions in the world. The World Wildlife Federation (WWF) has classified it as a Global 200 ecoregion. This is because of its fresh water and terrestrial importance. The lakes, creeks and rivers found in this region are teaming with a huge array of diverse freshwater species. The Chihuahuan Desert, as the name suggests is located mostly in the Mexican state of Chihuahua. It also covers certain areas of the US such as New Mexico, Colorado and Texas. The area located in Mexico boasts of the most ecologically diverse landscapes.
The Chihuahua Desert is mostly located at high altitudes, from about 3000 to 5000 feet at its highest point. Throughout the year not much rain falls on these planes, therefore the plants and animals are dependent mostly on underground water. This desert is home to over 130 species of mammals and nearly 300 species of plants. Some of the most common animal life includes the golden eagle, kit fox, roadrunners, coyotes and mule deer’s. There are over 200 miles of roads and highways that run through some of the most sensitive areas of the desert. Camping out for a night or two is a very popular activity of the Chihuahuan Desert. In fact this has become one of the problems as far conserving this beautiful and fragile desert is concerned.
Human encroachment is starting to endanger the Chihuahuan desert. The ever increasing human presence of this area is starting endanger many of the flora and fauna found here. Some of the main problems this desert is facing is water mismanagement, grazing of livestock, and most important of all, a dearth in peoples understanding of the deserts fragile ecological balance. Even in ancient times, this desert was used as a passage way for trade between the natives that lived in this region. Now with NAFTA the amount of traffic running through the Chihuahuan desert has only increased, making conservation efforts even more difficult.
