Abstract Detail

Conservation Biology

Yawn, Noah [1], Determann, Ron [2], Stephens, Jessica [3].

Census and Reassessment of the Critically Endangered Alabama Canebrake Pitcher Plant, Sarracenia alabamensis, 24 Years Later.

The Alabama Canebrake Pitcher Plant, Sarracenia alabamensis, is an extremely endangered species extant at only eleven total occurrences in two counties in central Alabama. This Alabama longleaf pine hills endemic species is notable for its current and historic rarity, as well as unique soil composition and habitat, occurring predominantly on nutrient-poor sandy and gravelly permanent seepage slopes. Though many sites are monitored and managed to a degree, recent population data across the species range is scarce, with the last census occurring in 1995. The main objective of this study was to collect comprehensive population data on all existing populations, record detailed floristic inventories, conduct soil analysis, and develop an updated, thorough, and consistent survey methodology for the species. This methodology includes determining genet size class and quantity, flowering ability, sexual reproduction, and successful seedling recruitment. These data were then compared to the last population census to examine how populations, their plant communities, soil compositions, and health has changed over the past twenty-four years. This study provides much clearer insight into the species’ current habitat and is extremely relevant to its conservation. Results from this work will be used to determine extirpated site quality and reestablishment potential, existing population augmentation, establishment of new sites, and long-term monitoring and management objectives. This methodology can be used for other endangered and threatened Sarracenia populations, including Sarracenia oreophila and Sarracenia jonesii, due to their similar scarcity and unique nature.

1 - Cornell University, School of Integrative Plant Science, 412 Mann Library Building, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
2 - Atlanta Botanical Garden, Conservation and Research, 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30309, USA
3 - Atlanta Botanical Garden, Conservation And Research, 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30309, United States

Keywords:
Sarraceniaceae
Sarracenia alabamensis
Longleaf pine
Soil analysis
Seepage slope
Pitcher plant.

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: PCB014
Abstract ID:1019
Candidate for Awards:None