Population decline of the saguaro cactus throughout its distribution is associated with climate change.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Climate change is a global phenomenon affecting species, which in arid regions will translate into more frequent and intense periods of drought. The Sonoran Desert is becoming hotter and drier, and many organisms are rapidly changing in abundance and distribution. These population attributes depend directly on the dynamics of the population, which in turn depends on the vital rates of its individuals; yet few studies have documented the effects of climate change on the population dynamics of keystone species such as the saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea). Although saguaros have traits that enable them to withstand present environmental conditions, climate change could make them vulnerable if forced beyond their tolerance limits.

Methods

We evaluated the

SUBMITTER: Felix-Burruel RE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11805942 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature