The Climate
Even though you might be going to the Sahara desert, you should pack some heavy clothing because the nights get a little chilly. However, you should wear light clothing during the day because it get scorching hot when you are out in the sun. Be sure to bring your own water because there is very little water out in the desert. You will also need to bring a lot of it too because it is very easy to get dehydrated in this area due to the intense heat from the Sun.
Abiotic Factors
The Sahara Desert has dry sandy soil, no tides or saline, and has a sand but in many areas, it is very rocky. Some factors that might affect this region are the low precipitation, rough terrain, and the high temperatures. The low precipitation affects the plant life in the area because few plants can thrive without a good amount of water. The plant life is also affected by the very rough terrain. Some plants can not live in this ecosystem because the land is not very fertile. Few plants can survive in this region because of the high temperatures and the low rainfall throughout the year.
Environmental Issues
An environmental issue for the Sahara Desert is over-hunting which means that the animal population is being harmed by both man and other animals. Several of the animal species are endangered. Also the rainfall is scarce and irregular so the plants and animals have a tough time surviving because there is no pattern to the rainfall. The winds can also serve as a problem because they make the desert warmer. The biggest threat to animals that live in this region is the low amount of water. We can stop the over-hunting by limiting the hunting season and issuing hunting permits.
Interactions
One interaction in this ecosystem is between the screwhorn antelope and the desert grasses and bushes. This animal is the Sahara's largest mammal and It travels in small herds throughout the Western Sahara, Mauritania and Chad. Instead of drinking water,the screwhorn antelope sucks moisture from the desert grasses and bushes.
The second interaction is between the desert horned viper and the lizards in the ecosystem. The viper is a carnivore that feeds mostly on the lizards, mammals and birds in the desert. It hides just below the sand with his horns and eyes exposed, ready to strike.
The second interaction is between the desert horned viper and the lizards in the ecosystem. The viper is a carnivore that feeds mostly on the lizards, mammals and birds in the desert. It hides just below the sand with his horns and eyes exposed, ready to strike.