The vast region directly south of Joshua Tree National Park lacks federal protection, putting unique plant species like Orocopia sage and Munz's cholla at risk.
"Studying these species shows us that there is a delicate balance between climate, terrain, soils and symbiotic relationships that determine whether the species can persist in a given region," said field botanist Melanie Davis.
The proposed Chuckwalla National Monument aims to protect 627,000 acres, crucial for the survival of the Orocopia sage and Munz's cholla, amidst growing concerns of their disappearance.
Environmental changes pose a significant threat to desert species, particularly those like Orocopia sage that are sensitive to shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns.
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