The refuge contains the majority of critical habitat for the Coachella Valley Fringe-toed Lizard (Uma inornata) within the Coachella Valley Preserve and Indio Hills Palms State Reserve.

The habitat of this threatened species is restricted to the refuge's dune system and a few other small areas.

This dune system is in jeopardy as development threatens sand sources and the Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard's travel corridors.

The refuge, managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, provides for the only significant habitat acreage that is not available for multiple recreating uses by the public.

This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.