Introduction
The Mojave Desert occupies 35.000 square kilometers primarily within southeastern California and southern Nevada. Small areas also extend into Utah and Arizona. Its boundaries are generally noted by the presence of Joshua Trees (Yucca brevifolia) which are native only to the Mojave Desert and are considered an indicator species. It is believed to support an additional 1,750 to 2,000 species of plants.
Besides some mammals like coyotes and bighorn sheep, numerous reptiles such as the California gopher tortoise and the Mojave rattlesnake can be found.