Effects of a natural fire on a Kuenzler's hedgehog cactus (Echinocereus fendleri var. kuenzleri) and nylon hedgehog cactus (Echinocereus viridiflorus) population in Southeastern New Mexico

Abstract

During the summer of 1992, a natural wildfire burned 250 acres of juniper savanna on Rawhide Ridge in the Guadalupe Mountains of southeastern New Mexico. This fire burned through the center of a Kuenzler's hedgehog cactus population. This threatened cactus is locally sympatric with the more abundant nylon hedgehog cactus, which has similar growth form and stature. The local populations of both cacti were assessed within equal areas of burned and unburned habitats in May 1999. Burn area density of Kuenzler's hedgehog cactus was about one-third the density of unburned habitat. Nylon hedgehog cactus density in the burn area was about one-fifth the density of adjacent unburned habitat. The majority of individuals of both species found in the burned habitat appeared to be new recruits after the fire. Therefore, mortality was extremely high during this fire and population recovery is very slow for both species.

Parent Publication

• Southwestern rare and endangered plants: Proceedings of the Fourth Conference

Citation

Sivinski, Robert C. 2007. Effects of a natural fire on a Kuenzler''s hedgehog cactus (Echinocereus fendleri var. kuenzleri) and nylon hedgehog cactus (Echinocereus viridiflorus) population in Southeastern New Mexico. In: Barlow-Irick, P.; Anderson, J.; McDonald, C., tech eds. Southwestern rare and endangered plants: Proceedings of the Fourth Conference; March 22-26, 2004; Las Cruces, New Mexico. Proceedings. RMRS-P-48CD. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 93-97