Desert-saving plans can start arguments
Some worry that species will disappear; others say people need space to live
The Sonoran Desert is home to thousands of fascinating plants and animals, some of them found nowhere else in the world. But many people are worried about the future of those creatures.
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Species at risk
Here are four species- an owl, a cactus, a snake and a cat - that people are trying to protect.
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Taking Action: Saving Water
One way that you can help Sonoran Desert wildlife is to conserve water. About 90 percent of the animals that live in this region rely on habitat near water at some point in their lives. But without conservation measures, some of those areas might dry up.
Here are seven water-saving ideas, as suggested by fourth- and fifth-graders in Tucson:
1) Take shorter showers - shortening a shower to 5 minutes can save about 13 gallons of water
Olivia, AGUA CALIENTE ELEMENTARY
2) Don't let the water run when you brush your shiny teeth
Cassy, LOS RANCHITOS ELEMENTARY
3) Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your porch or driveway
Roman, AGUA CALIENTE ELEMENTARY
4) Wait until you have a full load before running the dishwasher or washing machine
Kira, AGUA CALIENTE ELEMENTARY
5) Plant natural desert plants in the garden so they won't need lots of water
Alexandra, FRUCHTHENDLER
ELEMENTARY
6) If the faucet leaks, call someone to fix it
Sarah, FRUCHTHENDLER
7) Turn off the faucet when you wash your hands
Marissa, BRICHTA ELEMENTARY
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