The role of landscape anomalies in regional plant conservation

Abstract

Landscape anomalies are regionally restricted habitats created by unusual geologic, edaphic, or hydrologic factors. Barrens, cliff faces, canyons, hanging gardens, and playas are all examples of landscape anomalies in the arid Southwest. Such sites often harbor an unusual and rich flora, including endemic, disjunct, or relictual plant species. Using examples from our studies on the chalk barrens and riparian canyons of southeast Colorado, we show how regional diversity can be enriched by the biota of habitats that are small in extent but biologically distinctive. Landscape anomalies are relatively easily surveyed and monitored, provide opportunities for comparative studies, and can serve as flagship habitats for capturing public interest. Because of their small size, however, they may be easily destroyed by development or overlooked in regional planning. Although coarse filter conservation approaches can be effective for the protection of regional ecosystems, a focus on small landscape anomalies as specific conservation targets may also be desirable to protect biota with low prominence but high biogeographic significance.

Parent Publication

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

Citation

Kelso, S.; Hall, C.; Maentz, G. 2001. The role of landscape anomalies in regional plant conservation. In: Maschinski, Joyce; Holter, Louella, tech. eds. Southwestern rare and endangered plants: Proceedings of the Third Conference; 2000 September 25-28; Flagstaff, AZ. Proceedings RMRS-P-23. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 13-19.