Desert springs‐both rare and endangered

1. Springs occur in all American deserts but their distribution is patchy and they are very difficult to locate. 2. Desert spring floras and faunas exhibit high diversity but many of the included species are undescribed or poorly known. 3. The conservation value of desert spring communities involves both their biodiversity and their research opportunities, both pure and applied. The communities offer real-life results that can help understand the effects of progressive habitat loss and degradation. Thus their study reflects strongly on problems concerning the development and management of natural parks and reserves. 4. Factors endangering desert spring systems include the misuse of the spring and/or its supporting aquifer, poor conservation practices and the introduction of exotic species.