Population studies of saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea (Engelm.) Britt. & Rose)
Turner RM and Hastings JR. 1962. Population studies of saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea (Engelm.) Britt. & Rose). Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America. 43(3):97-98
Saguaro populations in certain locations are known to be declining. This study has been made to determine the prevalence and causes of the reduction in saguaro numbers. Saguaro-height measurements have been made by means of a transit in several stands scattered throughout the plant's range from southern Sonora through southern Arizona. Saguaro heights are converted to ages and age-class curves analyzed. Dominance values for woody and succulent perennials are recorded for each stand and certain soil traits are determined. In some instances where establishment has declined it appears to have first become evident during the 1880's with little or no establishment of individuals since that time. A second group of stands can be characterized by a recent surge in repopulation following a span of years when establishment was modest. A third group of stands is characterized by a vigorous and continuing influx of new individuals.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Turner, Ray; Hastings, J
- Units
- SAGU , SODN
- Keywords
- Arizona, Cactus, Ecology (Community Ecology), Ecology (Plant), Measurements, Mexico, National Park Service, Plants, Saguaro, Sonora, Sonoran, Southwest, Tucson