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Sonoran Desert: Fragile Land of Extremes

Open-File Report 2003-305
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https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr2003305

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Abstract

'Sonoran Desert: Fragile Land of Extremes' shows how biologists with the U.S. Geological Survey work with other scientists in an effort to better understand native plants and animals such as desert tortoises, saguaro cacti, and Gila monsters. Much of the program was shot in and around Saguaro National Park near Tucson, Arizona. Genetic detective work, using DNA, focuses on understanding the lives of tortoises. Studies of saguaros over many decades clarify how these amazing plants reproduce and thrive in the desert. Threats from fire, diseases in tortoises, and a growing human population motivate the scientists. Their work to identify how these organisms live and survive is a crucial step for the sound management of biological resources on public lands. This 28-minute program, USGS Open-File Report 03-305, was shot entirely in high definition video and produced by the USGS Western Ecological Research Center and Southwest Biological Science Center; produced and directed by Stephen Wessells, Western Region Office of Communications.

Suggested Citation

Produced and Directed by Wessells, S., 2003, Sonoran Desert: Fragile Land of Extremes: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2003-305, 28 Minutes; Available on videocassette (VHS), DVD-ROM, or online (.WMV), https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr2003305.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Sonoran Desert: Fragile Land of Extremes
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2003-305
DOI 10.3133/ofr2003305
Year Published 2003
Language ENGLISH
Publisher Geological Survey (U.S.)
Contributing office(s) Southwest Biological Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center
Description 28 Minutes; Available on videocassette (VHS), DVD-ROM, or online (.WMV)
Additional publication details