In the Mojave Desert, over 100 PVC pipes originally placed to mark mining claims now lay the foundation for a small wildlife cemetery. After 35 years of accidental killing, the pipes are finally being pulled out of the ground. At the base of 21 sampled pipes? Over 75 distinct animal remains, made up of 15 different desert species.
Open PVC pipes are death traps for many birds and small wildlife that may confuse it with a nesting cavity, attempt to prey on another trapped animal, or simply be a victim of bad luck. One study estimated that open PVC pipes may be responsible for the deaths of tens of millions of birds across the western U.S. alone.
A dedicated team of scientists at The Nat is leading meticulous detective work by identifying species using only the decayed animal remains and loose bones at the base of each pipe. With The Nat's collection of 10,000 animal skeletons, the insurmountable task becomes more feasible as they compare miniature femurs and penny-sized skulls long forgotten in the Mojave to those in their labeled collection.
Through their work, the scientists hope to reveal the scope of PVC pipes' threat in California’s deserts, identify what species are most vulnerable, and provide further impetus to the efforts of eliminating this needless hazard to wildlife.
Open-topped PVC pipe marking a mine claim in the eastern Mojave Desert. Photo by Peter Sanzenbacher.
PVC pipe knocked over, revealing wad of remains of trapped birds. Photo by Peter Sanzenbacher.
Contents of a PVC pipe, cleaned, sorted, and identified. Photos by Aaron Sasson.
Contents of a PVC pipe, cleaned, sorted, and identified. Photos by Aaron Sasson.
Posted by Paula Sternberg Rodríguez, Science Communications Manager on June 18, 2025
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