Abstract Detail

Conservation Biology

Horner, Kaitlyn [1], Cribari, Molly [2], Cohen, Jim [3], Ruane, Lauren [4].

Population dynamics of Phlox hirsuta, a rare serpentine endemic.

Phlox hirsuta (Polemoniaceae) is an endangered perennial species endemic to serpentine soils. In 2016, we began monitoring the survival, growth and reproduction of 1,242 individual plants across three of its five known populations near Yreka in northern California to identify factors that are contributing to its risk of extinction. In total, we have witnessed 402 deaths, and 86% of those were seedling mortalities. Large plants can produce hundreds of flowers, however, only a subset of flowers (26% in 2016, 21% in 2017, and 36% in 2018) produce a fruit, which typically contains a single seed. Seed germination experiments in the field and lab indicate that nearly all viable seeds germinate within 1 year, suggesting that the biologically effective seed bank is limited to seeds produced the previous summer and is unlikely to accumulate in size over time. Eventually, we will use an integral projection model to identify the degree to which each life-history stage is hindering (or promoting) this species’ population growth. From our data thus far, both seedling mortality and fruit set appear to be obstacles to its success. In addition, we are assessing the effects of ecological factors, such as the biodiversity and abundance of neighboring plants, to determine whether these interactions are facilitative or competitive.

1 - Christopher Newport University, OENB, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News, VA, 23606, USA
2 - Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA, USA
3 - Kettering University, 1700 University Ave., Flint, MI, 48503.0, United States
4 - Christopher Newport University, Organismal And Environmntal Biology, 1 Avenue Of The Arts, Newport News, VA, 23606, United States

Keywords:
none specified

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: PCB008
Abstract ID:479
Candidate for Awards:None