Identification and Management of Multiple Threats to Rare and Endangered Plant Species
Abstract
We investigated effects of deer, nutrient addition, and presence of non-native plants, earthworms and a root-weevil on demography of rare understory species (Aristolochia serpentaria, Agrimonia rostellata, Carex retroflexa, and Trillium erectum) using a combination of experimental manipulations and mark-recapture observations at US Army Garrison West Point, NY. After developing stage-specific matrix projection models, we conducted life table response experiments to estimate how different stressors affect contributions of different vital rates to changes in population growth rates. Density and species composition of monitored stressor organisms varied across field sites and years. Marked individuals of all species had a positive response to fencing: overall individuals of all species grew taller, with larger leaves and had higher probabilities of flowering or seed production. Population growth rate of three of our species (A. rostellata, C. retroflexa and T. erectum) was >1, indicating that populations are projected to grow. Nevertheless, for all species was higher in fenced than open plots. Aristolochia serpentaria growth rate was <1 in the open plot.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 30, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA600407
Entities
People
- Andrea Davalos
- Bernd Blossey
- Evan Cooch
- Victoria Nuzzo
Organizations
- Cornell University