干旱区生态环境知识资源中心

Four sites in the state of Baja California Sur, Mexico, support superb stands of the giant columnar cardon cactus (Pachycereus pringlei [S. Wats] Britt. & Rose). Giant cardon is not an endangered species in the region, but exemplary stands are rare and increasingly threatened by intensive agriculture and cattle ranching. We have identified four stands of cardon worthy of national protection. Three of the sites are located in the District of Lorero, and one is in the District of La Paz. The massive specimens of cardon that grow on these sites are unusually vigorous and healthy. The sites themselves are extremely scenic and accessible by tourists, are suitable for scientific study, and represent perhaps the best repositories of wild germplasm for the species. We recommend that these exceptional representatives of Mexico’s national natural heritage be protected for future generations, as has been done in Arizona and California (USA) for saguaro cactus (Carnigea gigantea [Engelm] Britt. & Rose) and Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia Engelm.).