The Sahara Desert
Abiotic Factors
Soil Type:
Most of the soil in the Sahara Desert is a soil type known as yermosols. Yermosols is a type of soil with shallow profiles over gravel or pebble beds. This type of soil has been developing in the Sahara for over 50 million years. Surprisingly, sands and bare rocks only cover one-fifth of the Sahara while the rest is made of yermosol. Natural Disasters: On February 21, 2007, a huge dust storm swirled in the Sahara. The dust storm was so large that it clogged the skies over Algeria and Mali. The Sahara Desert is one of the world's most dust prone regions, so it was not a surprise to most people when the dust storm took place. Location of the Sahara: The Sahara encompasses most of northern Africa but in specifics it stretches from Africa to the Red Sea down to Ethiopia. It coverrs over 9,100,000 square kilometers. Surface Type: The surface area of the Sahara is comprised mostly of sand dunes, but it also contains stone plateaus, gravel planes, dry valleys, and salt flats. There are also several mountains that rise different desert areas. One-fourth of the Sahara is mountainous and the highest peak reaches 3,415 feet above sea level. There are also many depressions (land below sea level). Dominant Plant & Animal Life3 Plant Indigenous to the Sahara:
1. Citrullus Colocynthis (Gourd): Producer- This is a ground bearing plant that bears inedible gourds. The sap is used as an antidote to cure scorpion bites and contains detoxing and healing properties. They are designed to live in the area because they can withstand high temperatures because of the long tap root they contain that burrows far into the ground. This helps provide the plant with the water it needs to survive. 2. Palm Trees: Producer- Palm trees grow where there is water closest to the surface. They are often used for finding water sources. Palm trees are made to survive in the desert because of their long roots which can absorb water. It also has thorny leaves and fleshy bark which allows the palm trees to conserve as much water as possible. 3. Cacti: Producer- The flesh of the cacti contain thousands of needles which thwart off prey from stealing the moisture and also prevent evaporation. Plants like cacti survive because they are good at storing water. Cacti contain spines which help absorb moisture in the air and use it for water. During periods of moisture the cactus will expand in order to store the water. During periods of drought it will contract. The spines also help with living in hot temperatures. 3 Animals Indigenous to the Sahara: 4. Fennec Fox: Carnivore- The Fennec fox has large ears which help dissipate the heat of the Sahara while the Fennec's hairy feet protect it from the blistering sand. 5. Cobra: Carnivore- The Cobra is cold blooded so the sun actually speeds it's metabolism and heats their bodies. They scarcely need water and are good at retrieving the water they need from their prey. They also do not need to eat as often as other animals which make them prime to live in the Sahara. 6. Barbary Sheep: Herbivore- They are capable of producing metabolic water so they can go long periods of time without water. They are also capable of climbing high and rocky terrain and can survive off of shrubs. These sheep's bodies were made to survive in dry, rough, barren and water-less environments. Natural Resources1. There are huge oil deposits found in Algeria and Libya but they have not been able to be accessed due to their inaccessibility.
2. There has also been a discovery of natural gas in Algeria and Libya. After World War II communities were set up to utilize the desert's natural resources. 3. Salt is mined in Taoudenni, Mali, Bilma and Niger and is transported throughout the Sahara with camel caravans. Major Threats to Biodiversity/ Conservation IdeasThe Sahara is made mostly of undisturbed habit. It contains large areas of rock and sand. There are also small areas of vegetation where one might find an oasis. This is where habitats may be altered by human activity. Previous tree cover has been removed for trading. This happens because the Sahara is not well preserved from a conservation prospective. Fewer than 2 million live in the Sahara with the majority being nomads. Since these people reside within the borders of the Sahara the animal community has become sparse. Most animals used to live in small groups, but now they are beginning to dissipate due to hunting and recreation. Animals like the addax and the antelope are endangered and being threatened towards extinction.
Recently, conservation efforts have been made in order to preserve the Sahara desert and the species within it. This is called the Sahara Conservation Fund (SCF) whose main goal is to preserve the beautiful desert. Their goal is to raise awareness about deserts and to inform people about the hazards of hunting endangered species. One thing you can do to help participate in conservation efforts is to raise awareness about endangered species. You can take care of your community's parks and can help clean up the environment. Practicing these ways will help protect your ecosystem and will bring health to your community. If you would like to visit their page and read about their conservation efforts I have provided the link below: http://www.saharaconservation.org |
Below is a slideshow of the plants and animals listed on the left. The number of the plant/animal corresponds with the number on the slide. |