The unique geology of the Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge makes it an important location for native wildlife. There are five major thermal springs in Moapa valley, three of which are located within refuge boundaries. The warm springs habitat supports many unique species. Moapa Dace, White River Springfish, Moapa Pebblesnail, and Moapa Riffle Beetles are all endemic to Moapa Valley, which means they are found here and nowhere else in the world.
The Moapa White River springfish compatibly coexists with the Moapa dace. The fish is one of five subspecies of the endangered White River springfish that exists in the remnant waters of the White River in eastern Nevada. The Moapa White River springfish is found only in the upper Muddy River. As a subspecies, the fish is not listed under the Endangered Species Act.
Several species of small mammals can be found on the Moapa Valley NWR, including kangaroo rats and bats. At left is a Townsend's Big-eared bat residing on the refuge.
Dragonflies and damselflies are among the many kinds of insects seen on the Moapa Valley NWR.
The primary management objectives of the refuge are to restore the stream channels and springs to as near a natural condition as possible and to optimize available stream habitat for recovery and delisting of Moapa dace. The springs are thermal in nature and have an average annual water temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit at the point of discharge. Water quality is good, although high in calcium carbonate.