A Proposal for Conservation of Exemplary Stands of the Giant Cardon Cactus (Pachycereus pringlei [S. Wats] Britt. & Rose) in Baja California Sur, Mexico

Four-sites in the state of Baja California Sur, Mexico, support superb stands of the giant columnar cardon cactus (Pachycereus pringlei [S. Wats] Britt. & Rose). Giant cardon is not an endangered species in the region, but exemplary stands are rare and increasingly threatened by intensive agricu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Natural areas journal 2000-04, Vol.20 (2), p.197-200
Main Author: Bashan, Yoav
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Baja California Sur (state), Mexico
Cactus
CONSERVATION ISSUES
Desert soils
Deserts
Earth roads
Ecophysiology
Environmental aspects
Environmental conditions
Habitat conservation
Highways
Mexico
Nature conservation
Pachycereus pringlei
Plants
Restoration ecology
Urban ecology
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Summary:Four-sites in the state of Baja California Sur, Mexico, support superb stands of the giant columnar cardon cactus (Pachycereus pringlei [S. Wats] Britt. & Rose). Giant cardon is not an endangered species in the region, but exemplary stands are rare and increasingly threatened by intensive agriculture and cattle ranching. We have identified four stands of cardon worthy of national protection. Three of the sites are located in the District of Loreto, and one is in the District of La Paz. The massive specimens of cardon that grow on these sites are unusually vigorous and healthy. The sites themselves are extremely scenic and accessible by tourists, are suitable for scientific study, and represent perhaps the best repositories of wild germplasm for the species. We recommend that these exceptional representatives of Mexico's national natural heritage be protected for future generations, as has been done in Arizona and California (USA) for saguaro cactus (Carnigea gigantea [Engelm] Britt. & Rose) and Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia Engelm.).
ISSN:0885-8608
2162-4399