Ecosystem Services

While the costs and benefits of certain actions like mining, solar development, and groundwater pumping are relatively easy to quantify, a lack of information and valuation of ecosystem services drives our market system to continually degrade our environments. Deserts have been particularly neglected or underestimated when it comes to quantifying ecosystem services. Three known ecosystem services that deserts provide are biodiversity, recreation, and information.

Biodiversity

Deemed California’s “rainforest next door,” California's desert flora includes approximately 2,450 native plant species. (3) This means approximately 40 percent of CA's native plant diversity is found on just 28 percent of the landmass of the state. (3) Floristic diversity also drives fauna diversity, and many pollinators and parasites, borers and grazers can survive based off of just one plant! A majority of these species have yet to even be categorized by taxonomists.

Recreation

With its many hikes, landmarks, climbing spots, and trails, the California deserts have aesthetic and recreational value. The beauty of watching the sun set behind the Panamint Mountains or seeing the perennial flowers bloom following a rain storm cannot be enumerated.

Information

The wide variety of plants in the desert regions can provide a basis for scientific exploration and medicinal advancements. This is evident in the traditional uses for some of the California desert plants. For example, a pectin found in a prickly pear cactus has been used to treat high cholesterol levels and diabetes. (1) Flour ground from mesquite tree pods are also believed to aid in the reduction of sugar levels. (1)