Nature conservancy santa cruz island12/19/2023 ![]() ![]() Extensive surveys must be made of all of the known and likely habitats of the Santa Cruz Island fringepod, to determine whether it might still survive. Nevertheless, the critically endangered plant remains threatened by the feeding activity of feral pigs, and by invasive alien plants. Thus, all of the habitat of the Santa Cruz Island fringepod is being conserved for its natural values. The other 10% of the island is Federal land managed by the National Parks Service. The western 90% of Santa Cruz Island is owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy (TNC), a private conservation agency. It may also be vulnerable to reduced reproductive vigor due to inbreeding. If it still survives, the Santa Cruz Island fringepod exists as tiny, isolated populations that are extremely vulnerable to extinction caused by severe disturbances, such as an extreme weather event (e.g., a hurricane). In addition, the endangered fringepod plant has suffered from excessive competition with alien plants, especially species of grasses and the fennel ( Foeniculum vulgare ). The apparent demise of the Santa Cruz Island fringepod appears to have been caused by severe habitat damage resulting from the rooting activities of introduced feral pigs, including soil loss, habitat alteration, and direct predation of the rare plants. As of 1997, no verifiable observations of this endangered species had been made for more than two years. In 1991, however, the species only occurred at six of those locations, and in 1993, no individuals were found at any of the known habitats. The Santa Cruz Island fringepod is known from 14 historical locations on Santa Cruz Island. Santa Cruz Island is the largest of the California Channel Islands at 96 sq mi (249 sq km), with the highest point being 2,470 ft (753 m) above sea level. The Santa Cruz Island fringepod is a locally evolved (or endemic) plant that is only known from Santa Cruz Island, in the coastal Pacific Ocean off southern California. The Santa Cruz Island fringepod occurs on rocky outcrops on ridges and canyon slopes, and is associated with a variety of native species of herbs, ferns, grasses, and other plants. The Santa Cruz Island fringepod is distinguished from other species in the genus Thysanocarpus in having a bowl-shaped fruit (rather than a round, flattened fruit with wings). Its narrow, linearly lobed leaves are arranged in alternate fashion along the stems, which have a terminal inforescence (or raceme) of minute, pink to lavender flowers. It has one to several branches, and grows 2-5 in (5-13 cm) tall. The Santa Cruz Island fringepod, also known as the Santa Cruz Island lacepod, is a small, delicate, annual herbaceous plant. Rocky outcrops on ridges and canyon slopes. Santa Cruz Island Fringepod Thysanocarpus conchuliferus Status ![]()
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