Big Bend National Park features diverse habitats, including desert, mountains, and river. Within the park, the Chisos Mountains stand out. At higher elevations, you find cooler forest ecosystems with pinyon pines, junipers, and the endangered Guadalupe fescue.
The Chisos Mountains ascend approximately 6,000 feet above the Chihuahuan Desert. These mountains form ‘sky islands,’ which are relatively wet and cool compared to the surrounding arid scrubland. These isolated ecosystems host the only known Guadalupe fescue patches in the United States.
The remote nature of these ‘sky islands’ may have shielded the Guadalupe fescue from disappearing entirely. However, climate change is a looming threat. As the planet warms, species relying on ‘sky island’ habitats face displacement to higher elevations. Eventually, they may have no further elevation to climb. This is a concern highlighted by scientists, emphasizing the risk to these species.
Carolyn Whiting, Park Botanist at Big Bend, has closely monitored the Guadalupe fescue. She discusses with host Aaron Scott the unique characteristics of Big Bend and the importance of conserving minor species.
Guadalupe fescue in Big Bend National Park is the only remaining population within the United States. It was classified as an endangered species in 2017, underscoring its critical conservation status.
This episode was produced by Rebecca Ramirez, with editing by Gabriel Spitzer. Fact-checking was performed by Rebecca, Brit Hanson, and Gisele Grayson. Natasha Branch served as the audio engineer.