Overdevelopment is the primary threat to the Mojave Desert's ecosystem, leading to habitat destruction, pollution, and resource depletion.

Overdevelopment in the Mojave Desert poses the greatest threat to its fragile ecosystem. Rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, and the construction of infrastructure such as roads, power plants, and solar farms disturb wildlife habitats, fragment ecosystems, and deplete natural resources like water. These activities also contribute to pollution, both through chemicals and noise, disrupting the desert's delicate balance. While issues like overgrazing and pollution do have an impact, the sheer scale of urban sprawl and energy projects makes overdevelopment the most pressing concern for conservation efforts in the region.