Our desert is "endangered". Osoyoos is a prime tourist and agricultural area and thus many species of plants and animals that once flourished in our valley are now becoming scarce. The desert centre is one of the last refuges from the onslaught of commercial and residential "progress". Thirty percent of BC’s wildlife species at risk are in the Southern Okanagan and Similkameen valleys. Many of the animals exist nowhere else in Canada, or nowhere else in the world. Animals such as the Tiger Salamander, Sage Thrasher, Night Snake and Badger will soon face local extirpation unless their habitat can be saved.
Concerned citizens are encouraged to support the protection of this wildlife. Careful land management practices, good stewardship, creation of protected areas and increasing general awareness are a few of the many ways we can begin to ensure a more stable future for the endangered animals and plants.
You can also help by becoming a member of the Desert Society, or making a donation.
Below, are a number of articles and documents pertaining to the overall health of our desert including a detailed list of endangered species. As well, you can see photographs and experience the beauty of some of these organisms in our Endangered Species Picture Gallery. If you have any questions about about desert conservation and ecology, please don't hesitate to contact us.
