Don Sada

Dr. Don Sada is a Research Professor Emeritus of Ecology at the Desert Research Institute (DRI) and an affiliate of the Graduate Program of Hydrologic Sciences at the University of Nevada, Reno. His work focuses on arid land aquatic ecosystems, particularly the ecological relationships between environmental factors and aquatic communities, including springsnails, vertebrates, and rare species. He has conducted extensive spring inventories in national parks and monuments, such as Joshua Tree, Death Valley, and Grand Canyon-Parashant, and developed management strategies for wetland species. His research also addresses the impacts of land-use practices and climate change on aquatic habitats.

Education: Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Nevada, Reno (1990); M.S. (1977) and B.S. (1973) in Biology from California State University and the University of the Pacific, respectively.

Research interests include: 1) Biogeography and taxonomy of aquatic mollusks, 2) Ecological effects of human and natural disturbances on springs, 3) Development of spring survey protocols for agencies like the National Park Service, and 4) Restoration efficacy assessments in river systems like the Truckee River. His work frequently involves collaboration with government agencies to balance environmental conservation and resource management.

Recent studies highlight climate change impacts on desert springs, ungulate effects on spring ecosystems, and thermal habitat dynamics. Over 1,100 springs have been inventoried across the Mojave and Great Basin regions, contributing to databases of over 4,000 springs. His publications span freshwater ecology, hydrology, and conservation biology, emphasizing applied solutions for arid ecosystems.

Grants and projects include evaluations of water conservation technologies (e.g., LA-PAM in irrigation canals) and recovery plans for endangered species such as the Shortnose and Lost River Suckers. He has led interdisciplinary teams integrating hydrological, biological, and geological data to address complex environmental challenges.