![]() Some desert animals (e.g., species of camelids) have been domesticated in Africa, Asia, and South America. The venoms of cobras, rattlesnakes, and gila monsters all have medicinal properties under certain circumstances. Recently, as a greater knowledge of the chemistry of some compounds produced by animals has occurred, they have found even greater use. Animals ranging from beetle larvae to large antelope have been harvested for food, clothing, weapons, and medicines. ![]() ![]() Other species worldwide have been used as sources of anti-diabetics, the basis for cosmetics, fibers for weaving and other uses, plant growth regulators, surfactants, waxes and many other uses.ĭesert animals have been used in a variety of ways. Similarly, Acacia is used for food and fuel but may be more important as a source of commercial gums and tannins. Larrea, occurring in both the North and South American warm deserts, has great potential for commercialization because of its antifungal properties and nutritious forage. Many species have turned out to be good forage plants, especially some in the genus Atriplex. A few examples should suffice: in North America guayale ( Parthenium argentatum) was grown as a substitute for rubber for a period of time jojoba ( Simmondsia) oil appears in a variety of beauty products in the Sudan Blepharis has wound healing properties Agave is used in Mexico to produce an alcoholic beverage that is known worldwide Schinus, from the Atacama Desert, has proven to have insecticidal activity, as does Calotropis in India. The list of desert animals and plants that are of direct value to human beings is as long as the uses to which they are put. Uses of Desert Organisms and Their Products MacMahon, in Encyclopedia of Biodiversity, 2001 X.B.
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