desert

Scientists removed kangaroo rats from desert plots for 13 years, revealing how the rodents shape vegetation in the Chihuahuan Desert

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Scientists removed kangaroo rats from desert plots for 13 years, revealing how the rodents shape vegetation in the Chihuahuan Desert

PC: Connor Long/Wikipedia In the Chihuahuan Desert, kangaroo rats play an important role in shaping vegetation. Between 1977 and 1990, researchers excluded three kangaroo rat species from experimental plots to see how their absence affected plants and other animals. The 13-year experiment found that two grasses became significantly more abundant in plots without the rodents … Read more

Saudi Arabia released 313 desert gazelles; 20 years later, both species had established in a vast protected desert

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Saudi Arabia released 313 desert gazelles; 20 years later, both species had established in a vast protected desert

Across one of Saudi Arabia’s largest protected desert landscapes, a conservation experiment that began in the 1990s is still visible two decades later. A total of 313 captive-bred Arabian and sand gazelles were released into Uruq Bani Ma’arid, where their movements were first followed with radio tracking. When researchers returned in 2015–2016, a large camera-trap … Read more

In 1982, Israel released 28 wild donkeys to its desert; 44 years later, they created an oasis in one of Earth’s most extreme places

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In 1982, Israel released 28 wild donkeys to its desert; 44 years later, they created an oasis in one of Earth's most extreme places

Donkeys are more than just packs of animals and load carriers; these herbivores have the capacity to contribute more to the environment than most humans. Over four decades ago, authorities in Israel released 28 wild donkeys into the Ramon Crater, an extremely arid area of Israel’s Negev Desert. The animals’ daily habits completely transformed the … Read more

Volunteers spent 16 years restoring a damaged Arizona desert; 133 native plant species now thrive where invasive grass once ruled

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Volunteers spent 16 years restoring a damaged Arizona desert; 133 native plant species now thrive where invasive grass once ruled

An 18-acre stretch of Arizona desert that was once heavily disturbed and overrun by invasive buffelgrass has been transformed through 16 years of sustained restoration work by volunteers and conservation partners. The Waterman Restoration Project, located on Bureau of Land Management land within Ironwood Forest National Monument near Marana, began in 2010 after earlier attempts … Read more

New Mexico has protected nearly 11,000 acres along the Mimbres River as a new wildlife area, safeguarding historic water rights, rare river habitat and a 2-mile stretch of the desert stream

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New Mexico has protected nearly 11,000 acres along the Mimbres River as a new wildlife area, safeguarding historic water rights, rare river habitat and a 2-mile stretch of the desert stream

An elevated, high-definition view of the newly protected landscape surrounding the Mimbres River in southwestern New Mexico. Conservationists and state officials in New Mexico have completed a deal to buy nearly 11,000 acres of ecologically rich land along the Mimbres River, permanently protecting an important desert watershed and creating the state’s newest public conservation preserve. … Read more

Nancy Guthrie update: Expert explains why Tucson desert remains are unlikely to solve the missing mom case

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Human remains found near Nancy Guthrie's Tucson home have raised questions. (via REUTERS)

The latest human remains were found in a desert area near West Ajo Way and South La Cholla Boulevard on August 17. The discovery raised questions because of the ongoing search for Nancy Guthriewho disappeared from her Tucson home months ago, on February 1. However, authorities said there is “no indication” that the remains are … Read more

55,000 years ago, Neanderthals may have trekked deep into Saudi Arabia when Nefud Desert was covered by lakes and grasslands

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55,000 years ago, Neanderthals may have trekked deep into Saudi Arabia when Nefud Desert was covered by lakes and grasslands

Representative Image of Neanderthals exploring a lush Arabian landscape with ancient lakes and wildlife (AI-generated image) A new study suggests Neanderthals may have trekked far deeper into the Arabian Peninsula than scientists previously thought possible, reaching a lakeside site in what is now Saudi Arabia around 55,000 years ago. Researchers examined stone tools from Jebel … Read more

Nancy Guthrie update: Human remains found in Tucson desert; Pima County sheriff responds

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PCSD deputies are investigating human remains found near West Ajo Way. (REUTERS)

Pima County Sheriff’s Department Search & Rescue deputies are responding to reports of human remains found in a desert area, but authorities say there is no indication so far that they are connected to the Nancy Guthrie investigation. PCSD deputies are investigating human remains found near West Ajo Way. (REUTERS) Remains found in desert area … Read more

China planted trees the Taklamakan Desert for nearly 50 years. Satellites now show the landscape is capturing more carbon than it releases

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China planted trees the Taklamakan Desert for nearly 50 years. Satellites now show the landscape is capturing more carbon than it releases

China’s shelterbelt initiative has made remarkable strides, turning arid desert borders into thriving carbon sinks. Through strategic vegetation choices, this project now captures more carbon dioxide than it expels. This achievement is anchored in mountain meltwater, vital for its irrigation systems. The initiative showcases the powerful impact of ecological restoration given optimal environmental conditions, though … Read more

Qatar News: Travel influencer drives through Doha desert to Riyadh, viral video shows escape route in Iran-US-Israel war

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Qatar News: Travel influencer drives through Doha desert to Riyadh, viral video shows escape route in Iran-US-Israel war

Qatar News: Travel influencer flees Doha for 12-hour desert drive to Riyadh amid chaos of Iran-US-Israel war As the ongoing Iran-US and Israel conflict continues to disrupt air travel across the Middle East, one travel influencer’s journey across the desert from Doha to Riyadh has come to an end viral on social media. Singaporean digital … Read more