Though the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico is mainly intact and relatively stable, there are certain human impacts that can negatively impact the desert if intensified and/or continued (1). One of the biggest concerns is the intensive agriculture that has converted much of the natural desert land into demolished animal and plant habitats (4). The insecticides and herbicides have been affecting the some of the desert’s native species, such as moths, bees, and native weeds that insects use for nectar (4). Furthermore, agriculture has also been disrupting natural habitats and altering their migration systems due to the change in vegetation (4). According to a study of the impacts of land degradation in the Sonoran Desert, “overgrazing [has caused] severe land degradation” leaving the land with “shorter grasses and more bare soil” (6). The demolishing of ecosystem can and has partly “result in a significant decline of species diversity, loss of vegetation” causing warmer climate than before” (because vegetation is a determinant of the climate in an area) (6). Additionally, grazing animals such as cattle and burros tend to feed on “palatable vegetation” leaving the less desired vegetation produce at a faster pace than the desired vegetation (4).
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Agriculture Human Imapact
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Another issue that is still in dispute today is the bordering between California and the Mexican state of Baja California. The Department of Homeland Security of the United States has been adamant about constructing a fence on the border to prevent illegal immigrants from entering the United Sates (7). However, the metal and cement walls that are being constructed disrupt and devastate animal and plant habitats, especially keeping land animals from being able to migrate (7). Aside from the destruction possible from the construction of the wall, the people hoping to cross the border from Mexico to the United States have also had an impact on the environment. Due to the walls, border crosser sometimes create their own routes in order to avoid border patrol, which also “threaten[s] both the landscape and wildlife” (7).
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Metal fencing on the US-Mexico boarder and the effects on animal habitats.
(Between California and Mexico) |
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The human impact and consequences in the Sonoran Desert in
Baja California. |
