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.

The seaweed  or kelp forests along the Californian Pacific coast store carbon and provide a habitat for a large number of fish and invertebrates. The survival of around 800 species of marine life, but also the survival of the local fishing and surfing industries, depend on the existence of these kelp forests. California condors are one of the most endangered species in the world. In 1987, a controversial decision was made to bring all remaining condors into human care and the last wild bird was captured in that same year. At that time, it was uncertain if the California condor would ever soar again in the wild. Through the efforts of many organizations and individuals, reintroduction of California condors began in 1992 and now has a population of over 230 animals living in the wild again.