The primary cause of habitat loss in the Sonoran Desert is urban expansion and agricultural activities, which lead to land degradation and loss of native ecosystems.

The Sonoran Desert, spanning parts of the United States (Arizona, California) and Mexico, faces increasing threats from rapid urbanization, agriculture, and infrastructure projects. Expanding cities like Phoenix and Tucson consume large areas of desert land for housing, roads, and commercial spaces. Agriculture depletes water sources, particularly from the Colorado River, affecting the delicate balance of desert life. While overgrazing, mining, and deforestation contribute to environmental changes, they are secondary factors compared to the large-scale impact of urban and agricultural expansion.