Comparative Seed Germination in Species of Turbinicarpus: an Endangered Cacti Genus
Joel Flores
Alberto Arredondo
Enrique Jurado
All species of the genus Turbinicarpus are considered to be at risk and are thus included in CITES Appendix I. Ex situ plant reproduction has been suggested to reduce illegal extraction of these species. However, literature regarding seed germination of these species is scarce and often contradictory. Propagation requirements among 17 taxa (including 12 species, six subspecies, and one hybrid) were analyzed. We used fresh seeds for all taxa plus aged seeds for five species. The response variable measured was Germinative Value (GV), which measures germination quality resulting from three variables: germinability, germination speed, and germination uniformity. For fresh seeds, significant differences were found between taxa. Germination varied broadly across taxa from 8% to 97% and GV ranged from 0.848 to 20.112. The two taxa with lower GV, T. lophophoroides and T. pseudopectinatus, showed higher GV in old seeds than in fresh seeds, which indicates this species might form seed-banks in the soil. T. knuthianus did not show significant differences between fresh and old seeds, which can be interpreted as a strategy to produce both seeds for immediate propagation and seeds for securing the medium and long-term survival of the species. In contrast, T. swobodae and T. valdezianus showed higher GV in fresh seeds than in old seeds, which would appear to represent an adaptation to germinate as soon as rainfall occurs. Our results contribute to understanding germination biology of a threatened genus and the potential role of soil seed banks. In addition, results presented here could contribute to in situ conservation of Turbinicarpus spp. populations, through promoting natural regeneration, and ex situ conservation, by promoting large numbers of cultivated individuals outside their habitats.
Characterization of Potential Release Sites for Peregrine Falcon Reintroduction
Matthew R. Dzialak
Michael J. Lacki
Kristina M. Carter
As part of an effort to recover the peregrine falcon (Falcoperegrinus) in southeastern cliff habitats, we implemented a pre-release habitat evaluation designed to characterize cliffs in Kentucky and identify those suited as reintroduction sites. The evaluation included field and Geographic Information System (GIS) analyses of available habitat and estimation of available prey and predation risk. We evaluated 32 sites in three physiographic regions in Kentucky. Cliff habitats reflected differences in land use and physiography among regions. Features that distinguished central Kentucky sites (Bluegrass) from eastern Kentucky sites (Cumberland Plateau and Cumberland Mountains) included a greater ± SD proportion of adjacent non-forested habitat (0.5 ± 0.01 and 0.08 ± 0.05, respectively), a better estimated prey base, and higher estimated relative abundance of great horned owls (Bubovirginianus; 0.5 and 0.0 owl detections/hr survey effort, respectively). Two natural areas, the Red River Gorge Geologic Area and the Tom Dorman State Nature Preserve, emerged well suited for the program. These sites were characterized by large cliffs, historic occurrence of peregrine falcons, adequate prey availability, and other features relevant to conservation, research, and educational considerations in raptor reintroduction such as site accessibility and public land. An implicit objective of pre-release research in wildlife reintroduction should be to establish conservation and research objectives and to generate information that can be applied in a retrospective assessment of specific factors affecting program outcome.