The primary threat to wildlife in the Sonoran Desert is climate change.

Climate change poses the most significant threat to wildlife in the Sonoran Desert by altering temperature and rainfall patterns. As temperatures rise and rainfall becomes more erratic, the availability of water and food sources becomes unpredictable, which disrupts the delicate balance of the desert ecosystem. Species adapted to specific conditions may struggle to survive as their habitats change. Increased droughts, heatwaves, and shifting ecosystems can lead to the loss of biodiversity and force many species to adapt or relocate. Climate change exacerbates other threats like habitat destruction, making it a critical issue for desert wildlife.