Date of Award

Spring 5-10-2024

Document Type

Thesis: Open Access

Degree Name

MS Marine Science

Department

Environmental and Ocean Sciences

Committee Chair

Drew Talley

Committee Co-Chair

Sula Vanderplank

Committee Member

Natalia Rodriguez Revelo

Abstract

At the southern end of the California Floristic Province lie the El Socorro Dunes. These Dunes have the highest biodiversity of any dune system in Mexico, hosting at least 11 perennial endemic and rare plant species. The El Socorro Dunes’ perennial vegetation was surveyed between 2008 to 2010, but since then these dunes have faced pressure from regional land transformations, such as off-roading and mining, invasive species spread, and climate change. This study examines the plant community changes within the El Socorro Dunes and potential links to stressors. Our results show significant losses of native plants, and significant increases in non-native plants. Specifically, they indicate that (1) at least six previously abundant native species have been eradicated from the study area, (2) two additional species showed significant and substantial decreases in abundance, raising concerns that they may be eradicated soon, (3) there has been a marked spread of non-native species; and (4) large shrubs had substantial decreases of all plant categories likely due to purposeful removal of the species. Of the potential stressors, one in particular, goat grazing, may eradicate a rare and endemic species, Dudleya cultrata, from the study area as it had significant, substantial decreases.

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