SAVING THE DIXIE VALLEY TOAD

For generations, Nevada’s big-eyed, black-freckled Dixie Valley toad thrived in a small desert oasis, hidden from humans. But by the time scientists described it in 2017, the toad was already imperiled. The very landscape that makes the Dixie Valley ideal for this animal also draws development. We’re fighting to save it from a geothermal-energy plant that would destroy its home.

BACKGROUND

This species’ habitat in the Dixie Valley Playa lies within the Great Basin, which is mostly very dry. But the toad lives in unique wetlands dotting the western edge of the Dixie Valley Playa, fed by hot springs. Sadly, these hotsprings also make prime real estate for geothermal-energy plants. And a new plant may soon be built right in this toad’s habitat.

This tiny toad is already threatened by invasive species, disease, climate change, groundwater extraction and livestock grazing. An energy plant in its habitat could mean extinction.

OUR WORK

The Center has been working to save these toads' habitat from the Dixie Meadows geothermal plant. After we filed a lawsuit with the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe — for whom the area's sacred springs are sacred — in 2022 we won an injunction halting the project.

We first petitioned the federal government for emergency protection for Dixie Valley toads under the Endangered Species Act in 2017. In 2022 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finalized protection for these little toads. We won’t stop fighting to save them and their home.

Check out our press releases to learn more about the Center's actions for Dixie Valley toads.