Knowlton's cactus (Pediocactus knowltonii): Eighteen years of monitoring and recovery actions

Abstract

Pediocactus knowltonii is a rare, endemic cactus that is presently known to occur on a single 10-hectare hill in northwestern New Mexico near the Colorado border. It was listed as federally endangered in 1979. Population monitoring and recovery actions were initiated when the Recovery Plan was adopted in 1985. The land at the type locality has been donated to The Nature Conservancy and long-term monitoring plots have been annually studied since 1986. This population reached peak density in 1994 and is presently in decline. A total of 301 clones were made and transplanted to two nearby habitats above the Los Pinos arm of Navajo Lake, beginning in 1985. Transplant survival and flowering were good, but natural recruitment has been slow. Seeding trials were also conducted at both locations in 1985 and 1991. Only 4% of seeds planted became established as adult plants and no new recruitment has yet been observed.

Parent Publication

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

Citation

Sivinski, Robert C.; McDonald, Charlie. 2007. Knowlton''s cactus (Pediocactus knowltonii): Eighteen years of monitoring and recovery actions. 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. 98-107