Abstract Detail

Conservation Biology

Solves, Jean-Philippe [1], Howard, Linda [2], Barron, Kara [2], Monkemeier, Peggy [3], Stromberg, Juliet [2].

New Insights into Life History Traits of Endangered Wetland Obligate Lilaeopsis schaffneriana subsp. recurva (Apiaceae) inform Conservation.

Cienegas are mid-elevation desert wetlands that occur throughout the American Southwest. They serve as important habitats for a suite of unique species including many rare and endemic plants and animals. The Huachuca water umbel (Lilaeopsis schaffneriana subsp. recurva; Apiaceae) is an endangered, semi-aquatic, cienega endemic. This plant exists primarily as rhizomatous mats, and produces diminutive, white umbelliferous flowers. Its low and cryptic growth form, and strong association with rare wetland habitats make it a challenge for monitoring and conservation. Recent studies have indicated low genetic diversity within populations which have been in decline due to ongoing habitat loss and degradation. The goal of our study was to investigate life history traits of L. schaffneriana subsp. recurva to inform future conservation efforts. We conducted four independent experiments; 1) seed bank presence from soil cores collected at transplant and extirpated sites 2) seed longevity from germinating seeds of various ages 3) drought tolerance using greenhouse clones, and 4) reproductive strategy at urban experimental plots and field transplant sites. Greenhouse experiments showed 1) seed bank presence at two of five transplant sites, but not at extirpated sites, 2) seed viability up to 15 years, and 3) up to three weeks of drought tolerance via rhizomes. These traits may suggest that future monitoring efforts consider that populations of this species can persist in cryptic, ulterior states during periods of disturbance. A significantly higher fruit production was observed at transplant colonies relative to urban plots. This supports the observed presence in seed banks at select transplant site. Results from these experiments suggest that L. schaffneriana subsp. recurva may rely on life history traits which favor endurance to disturbance, and future conservation of this species should consider the significance of wetland habitats in supporting these traits for newly re-established colonies.

1 - Arizona State University, Herbarium, 734 W. Alameda Dr. , Tempe, AZ, 85287, United States
2 - Arizona State University, School of Life Sciences, Tempe, AZ , AZ, 85287-4501
3 - Bureau of Land Management, Tucson Field Office, 3201 East Universal Way, Tucson, AZ, 85756

Keywords:
Cienega
Huachuca Water Umbel
Apiaceae
Endangered
Habitat quality
Seed Bank
Transplant
Lilaeopsis.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Conservation Biology Posters
Location: Arizona Ballroom/Starr Pass
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2019
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 6:15 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PCB006
Abstract ID:409
Candidate for Awards:None