Deserts

Deserts are dry places with limited water supplies, distinguished by cold or hot weather and adapted vegetation, animals, and humans. New Mexico has a dry climate, with an average of 300 sunny days per year, ranking second only to Arizona. The Chihuahuan Desert is considered the Western Hemisphere's biggest and most diversified desert, as well as one of the world's most diverse dry environments.

Overgrazing, water depletion, diversion, changes in fire regimes, urbanization, agricultural and resource extraction activities, invasive alien species, and overcollection of native flora and animals all pose threats to its survival. New Mexico's desert areas are home to a diverse range of tenacious critters, including wildlife species such as coyotes and desert tortoises.