Monitoring the saguaro population in Saguaro National Park: continuing a 70-year tradition

Swann, Don; Springer, Adam; O'Brien, Kara

The major goal of the 2010 Census was to establish a stronger linkage between the 45 Duriscoe-Graban plots and historical analyses of the saguaro population by resurveying plots established in 1941, the 1970s and 1990. This approach enhances the continuity between the Census and historical saguaro demographic studies extending back 70 years. We also sought to ensure the integrity and compatibility of data collected in future surveys by formalizing sampling protocols. Additionally, we sought to remove a limitation of past surveys by establishing plots in high elevations to cover the entire geographic extent of the saguaro range. Previous studies have not examined the population outside of “prime” saguaro habitat. With interest in whether climate change will cause species to move upslope, we sought to add plots to the Census that would enable this question to be evaluated. Finally, we worked to engage the public in long-term monitoring of saguaros by restyling the Census as a Citizen Science program. Our new approach led to collaboration with a large number of volunteers equipped to discuss the importance of long-term monitoring of the saguaro population, and involved young people through the creation of educational and Service Learning programs.

Monitoring the saguaro population in Saguaro National Park: continuing a 70-year tradition

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