Abstract Detail

Conservation Biology

Mattina, Ciro Joseph [1], Visger, Clayton [2], Egan, Ashley N. [3].

Study into the geographical, climatic, and edaphic features of the ecological niche of Pediomelum pariense, a rare plant species endemic to Utah.

Pediomelum pariense is a plant species native to the Grande Escalante Staircase region of southern Utah and is endemic to 13 known populations in two counties, Kane and Garfield, where it lives exclusively on the Carmel and Claron limestone formations. Our research aimed to answer the questions why does pariense only grow in such a specific area? and what will happen to this species when affected by climate change? We addressed these questions by compiling location data records of pariense along with more recent location information to investigate the relative roles of climate, soil, and geographical features in the ecological niche of this species.  This helped give us a better understanding of what features best influences the distribution of pariense, and using this knowledge, discuss how climate change may affect the future distribution and survivability of this species. Through our research, we not only give insight into the nature of endemism, but also create a template that other scientists can follow when studying plant species with a small data set.

1 - Utah Valley University, Biology, 800 W University Pkwy, Orem, UT, 84058, USA
2 - California State University Sacramento, Biological Sciences, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819, United States
3 - Utah Valley University, Biology, 800 W University Pkwy, Orem, UT, 84058, United States

Keywords:
endemism
Fabaceae
Pediomelum pariense
Ecological niche
Edaphic.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P1, Conservation Biology Posters
Location: Virtual/Virtual
Date: Monday, July 19th, 2021
Time: 5:00 PM(EDT)
Number: P1CB006
Abstract ID:397
Candidate for Awards:None