The Saguaro Cactus in a Sky Island Ecotone
Springer A, Pruden CE, Swann DE. 2011. The Saguaro Cactus in a Sky Island Ecotone
Climate change predictions indicate that the southwestern United States is moving towards conditions of increasing minimum temperatures and decreased frequency of freeze events. Freezing temperatures have been shown to cause mortality in the saguaro cactus, and the frequency of saguaro-killing freezes has a greater return interval at higher elevations. As freeze events become less frequent and their severity decreases, we expect that the geographical and elevational range of the saguaro may change. To establish a baseline for examining these changes more closely at Saguaro National Park’s Rincon Mountain District, we established 120, 0.25 hectare (0.62 acre) plots in 2011 in the saguaros’ upper elevation range between 3,500 feet (1,067 meters) and 5,500 feet (1,676 meters). In addition to providing baseline statistics that can be used to identify changes in the future, we explain about half of the variation in saguaro presence at this elevation range. These results provide insight into the how the saguaro may respond to changing climatic conditions.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Springer, Adam; Pruden, Chris; Swann, Don
- Date of Issue
- 2011-08
- Units
- SAGU