(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species CACTUS, NAVAJO, PEEBLES
Species Id ESIS702012
Date 13 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - CACTUS, NAVAJO, PEEBLES
OTHER COMMON NAMES - CACTUS, NAVAJO, PEEBLES;CACTUS, NAVAJO; CACTUS, PLAINS and NAVAJO
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Angiosperm
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - MAGNOLIOPHYTA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - MAGNOLIOPSIDA,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - CARYOPHYLLALES,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - CACTACEAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - PEDIOCACTUS,
SPECIES AND SSP - PEEBLESIANUS, VAR.
SCIENTIFIC NAME - PEDIOCACTUS PEEBLESIANUS VAR.
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Peebles Navajo Cactus
Pediocactus peeblesianus (Croizat) L. Benson var. peeblesianus
KINGDOM: Plant GROUP: Angiosperm
DIVISION: Magnoliophyta CLASS: Magnoliopsida
ORDER: Caryophyllales FAMILY: Cactaceae
Pediocactus peeblesianus var. peeblesianus is a small,
solitary, globose cactus, up to 2.5 cm (1 in) tall and averaging 1.5
cm (0.6 in) in diameter. The four spongy-fibrous radial spines form a
twisted cross and there are no central spines. The yellow to yellow-
green flowers are up to 2.5 cm in diameter, often larger than and
hiding the smaller plant body below. The small fruits dry and turn
tan at maturity, dehiscing by both a dorsal slit and by a ring around
the circumscissile apex. During dry weather, the plants retract into
the soil.
The statement on the label of the type sheet in the Herbarium of
the U.S. Field Station, Sacaton, AZ (now housed at the University of
Arizona Herbarium) attributes the finding of the taxon to Mr.
Whittaker of the Arizona Highway Department (04,15,27). The type
specimen was collected by J. Whitman Evans at Holbrook, AZ, in 1939.
For a few years the taxon was placed as an undescribed member of the
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species CACTUS, NAVAJO, PEEBLES
Species Id ESIS702012
Date 13 MAR 96
Echinocactanae or in Echinocactus (14,19). R.H. Peebles sent Croizat
a specimen and the sheet which became the type (15). Croizat then
published the original description of the taxon as Navajoa
peeblesiana. He believed that under the concept of Echinocactus held
in 1943, this taxon could no longer be in that genus and erected the
monotypic genus, Navajoa.
In 1947, W.T. Marshall (23) combined Peebles Navajo cactus with
several other species, including what is today Pediocactus
papyracanthus, in his concept of the genus Toumeya. Lyman Benson in
1950 (06) included the taxon in Echinocactus under his very broad
concept of that genus.
After the discovery of 4 more species Benson undertook a
monographic study of cacti which he combined into the genus
Pediocactus along with Pediocactus simpsoni (02,03,04,05). Although
there are many dissimilarities between the species placed in
Pediocactus, Benson recognized the overriding similarity: the
structure and method of dehiscence of the fruit; and the dull-colored
dry fruits open along a vertical slit in the ovary wall and fold back,
with the top opening like a lid (02,18). Peebles Navajo cactus was
placed in the Section Navajoa (05).
Mr. and Mrs. Denis Cowper collected specimens from the Holbrook
locality in 1955 and 1956, and specimens from near Cameron, AZ, in
1956. The latter plants were designated as a distinct variety
[Pediocactus peeblesianus var. fickeiseniae (Beckeberg) L. Benson
(04); validly published in Benson (07)], so the Holbrook plants
represent the typical variety for the species. A plant was propagated
from a graft of the original collection and given to the Desert
Botanical Garden by Mr. Evans. This was pressed Aug. 20, 1955 (DES)
and designated an isotype (04).
Common names used for this species include the Peebles Navajo
cactus, Navajo cactus and the Navajo Plains cactus.
Although Peebles Navajo cactus was later placed in Utahia (22),
the most accepted placement today is that of Benson (07,09,18,26,27).
The type specimen is deposited at the University of Arizona
Herbarium (ARIZ) (04,07,09). A designated isotype is at the Desert
Botanical Garden (DES) (04). There are many published descriptions of
the taxon (04,06,09,15,18,19,20,21,26,27,33). The most complete and
accurate original descriptions are those of Croizat (15), Benson (04,
07,09), and Heil et al. (18).
Many publications have photographs of the taxon and its habitat
(07,09,14,15,18,19,20,21,33). Drawings occur in publications (09)
and at the USFWS, Endangered Species Office, Albuquerque, NM.
Specimens have been deposited at the Desert Botanical Garden, Gray
Herbarium, Museum of Northern Arizona, Navajo Community College,
Pomona College, University of AZ, and the University of NM.
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species CACTUS, NAVAJO, PEEBLES
Species Id ESIS702012
Date 13 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
E: Federal Endangered
Commercial
Non-consumptive recreational
Ornamental
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The Peebles Navajo cactus (Pediocactus peeblesianus var.
peeblesianus) has been designated an Endangered species pursuant to
the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (50 CFR 17.12; P.L. 93-205, 87
Stat. 884; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1540), as amended. The species has this
status wherever found including the State of Arizona.
Removal and reduction to possession of any Federally listed plant
from an area under Federal jurisdiction is unlawful (50 CFR 17.61 and
17.71).
This species is protected by the Lacey Act (P.L. 97-79, as
amended; 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) which makes it unlawful to possess
any wild plant (including roots, seeds, and other parts) within U.S.
territorial or special maritime jurisdiction (as defined in 18 U.S.C.
7); or to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or
purchase in interstate or foreign commerce any wild plant (including
roots, seeds, and other parts) taken, possessed, transported, or sold
in violation of any State law or regulation. It is also unlawful to
import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase any
wild plant (including roots, seeds, and other parts) taken or
possessed in violation of any U.S. law, treaty, or regulation or in
violation of Indian tribal law.
This species is also protected as an Endangered species under
Navajo Tribal Code, Title 17, Subchapter 507.
RESPONSIBLE FEDERAL AGENCIES:
USFWS -Responsible for the management/recovery, listing, and
law enforcement/protection of this species.
BLM -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection of this
species with applicable State and Federal laws on
public land under their control (43 CFR 4140). Also
responsible for management/recovery on Bureau of Land
Management lands.
All Federal agencies have responsibility to ensure that any
action authorized, funded, or carried out by that agency is not likely
to jeopardize the continued existence of the species or result in the
destruction or adverse modification of Critical Habitat (50 CFR 402),
and to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species CACTUS, NAVAJO, PEEBLES
Species Id ESIS702012
Date 13 MAR 96
conservation of the species.
STATE STATUSES AND LAWS:
STATE: Arizona
DESIGNATED STATUS: Protected
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Arizona Commission of Agriculture and
Horticulture
STATE STATUTE: Arizona Revised Statutes, Chapter 7, Sec 3-901B
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
This species is listed in Appendix I of CITES.
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
This species has horticultural value and is commercially
available from cactus and succulent dealers. It's rarity makes it
particularly desirable to collectors. It may be of value for some of
its yet undetermined phytochemical products. It has value as a
component of Arizona's natural heritage of biotic diversity.
75/07/01:40 FR 27823/27924 - Notice of review
76/06/16:41 FR 24523/24572 - Proposed Endangered
79/11/28:44 FR 61922/61924 - Listing as Endangered
85/07/22:50 FR 29901/29909 - Five year review
Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - TERRESTRIAL
TERRESTRIAL
LAND USE -
Transportation, communications, and Util
Mixed Rangeland
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
Peebles Navajo cactus grows in soils derived from the Shinarump
Member of the Triassic Chinle Formation. The soil is:
"Typically yellowish-gray and pale-yellowish-orange, fine- to
coarse-grained friable sandstone. Lenses of conglomerate containing
granules and pebbles predominately of quartz, quartzite and chert are
common" (29).
The taxon occurs between 1570 to 1615 m (about 5150 to 5300 ft)
which is the elevation of the geologic formation around Holbrook, AZ.
The plants grow in exposed, sunny situations in gravelly alluvium on
the 0 to 30 degree slopes and sloping to flat hill tops. The lower
contact of the Shinarump is an erosion surface. The hills are created
from cliff-forming sandstone and mudstone members of the Moenkopi
Formation that rises above the basal plane (also Moenkopi) as 30 to 46
m (100 to 150 ft) flat-topped mesas.
The soils of the habitat have been characterized as belonging to
the Gypsiorthids-Torriorthents-Haplargids Association (16,27,30).
These are shallow to deep, well to excessively well drained soils
formed in mixed alluvium. Typically, the soil surface is a gravel lag
surface with reddish brown sandy clay loam about 7.5 cm (3 in) thick
(16). The subsurface layer is a reddish brown, very gravelly clay
loam (15 to 40 percent gravel) 12 to 25 cm (5 to 10 in) thick. The
substratum varies from beds with horizontal layers of pure white
crystalline gypsum in the Gypsiorthids, to stratified sand and gravel.
Permeability is slow to rapid. Available water capacity is very low
(16). Water supplying capacity is 7.5 to 15 cm (3 to 6 in).
Effective rooting depth is 25 to 150 cm (10 to 60 in) or more (27,30).
Soil pH is 8.15 (26).
The average annual precipitation is 25 cm (10 in) (28). Of this,
50 percent usually falls in July through September. Precipitation
during this period occurs when moist air moves northwestward over the
state form the Gulf of Mexico. Arizona winter storms develop from
frontal advances originating in the Pacific Northwest and much of the
moisture is lost over the high mountainous terrain to the south and
west of Holbrook (28). The average seasonal snowfall is 12.5 cm (5
in) and snow seldom stays on the ground for long because of the warm
daytime temperatures. The average frost-free season is 175 days. In
winter the average temperature is 3 degrees C (38 degrees F) and the
lowest temperature ever recorded is -30 degrees C (-20 degrees F). In
summer the average temperature is 19 degrees C (66 degrees F) and the
highest temperature ever recorded is 43 degrees C (109 degrees F)
(28). Wind also plays a significant role in this region because the
relatively flat or rolling barren valleys, mesas, and plateaus do
little to reduce the force of the wind from middle-latitude storm
systems (28). Sandstorms are common in late winter and spring, and
winds of 80.5 km/h (50 mph) are not unusual.
Peebles Navajo cactus occurs in the mixed rangeland land use/land
cover associations, specifically in the Desert grasslands forest/
rangeland associations. The vegetation is of low stature (less than 1
Habitat Associations - 1 meter tall) and very sparse, characterized by low shrubs, grasses and
seasonal annuals (27). Occasional junipers are about 3 m (10 ft)
tall; the canopy is open. Populations occur near access roads to
powerlines, ranches, scenic overlooks, and ORV trails.
The biotic community (12) is the Plains and Great Basin
Grasslands, near the ecotone and intermingling with species of the
Great Basin Scrub community. Dominant plants are: snake weed
(Gutierrezia sarothrae), shadscale (Atriplex confertifolia), four-
winged saltbush (A. canescens), rabbit brush (Chrysonthamnus
nauseosus), sagebrush (Artemisia bigelovii and A. tridentata), Mormon
tea (Ephedra viridis and E. cutleri), and gallenta (Hilaria jamesii).
Cactus associates are beehive cactus (Coryphantha vivipara), whipple
devil claw (Sclerocactus whipplei var. whipplei) and several Opuntia
species. Occasional junipers are present (27). The rare and endemic
Peebles amsonia (Amsonia peeblesii), a candidate for Federal listing,
occurs with one of the populations (27).
Habitat Associations - 2 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species CACTUS, NAVAJO, PEEBLES
Species Id ESIS702012
Date 13 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
AUTOTROPH
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species CACTUS, NAVAJO, PEEBLES
Species Id ESIS702012
Date 13 MAR 96
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G = General A = Adult
LIM = Limiting RA = Resting Adult
J = Juvenile FA = Feeding Adult
RJ = Resting Juvenile BA = Breeding Adult
FJ = Feeding Juvenile P = Pupae
L = Larvae E = Egg
RL = Resting Larvae
FL = Feeding Larvae
LIFESTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G Terrestrial Features: Cliffs/ledges
G
G
G
G
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species CACTUS, NAVAJO, PEEBLES
Species Id ESIS702012
Date 13 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
HABIT:
Succulent (07,09).
LIFE CYCLE:
Perennial (07,09).
TYPE OF REPRODUCTION:
Sexual (26).
REPRODUCTIVE PHENOLOGY:
Germination occurs in early-April (11), budding dates are usually
in Fall, anthesis dates are mid-April to early-May, fruiting occurs in
early-May to late-May (approximately 1 month after anthesis), and
seed/fruit dispersal occurs within days of the fruit opening (13).
However, data collected in 1987 indicate that significant seedling
germination occurred from mid-August through mid-October, when
approximately 100 seedlings were discovered during an inventory.
Pediocacti usually form buds in fall, but do not open until
spring (10,18). Seeds do not germinate immediately after they are
shed (June) because conditions are too hot and dry (11). Some will
germinate the following Spring, but optimum germination occurs after
2 to 3 years (11). Germination depends upon proper moisture at the
right time and all phenological dates are dependent on environmental
conditions (11,13,26).
SEX OR SPORE STATUS:
Monoclinous (04,07,09,26). Peebles Navajo cactus plants appear
to be outcrossers and be self-incompatible (13). Caged plants whereby
pollinators were excluded did not set fruit. One hand-selfed plant
also did not set fruit. Data are only preliminary.
POLLINATION, SPORE AND SEED DISSEMINATION:
Pollen dissemination agents have been collected but not
identified. Seed dissemination agents are wind, rain water (18) and
ants (Pogonomermex) (13).
Main dispersal of the genus seems to be limited by the dry, dull-
colored fruits which do not appear to attract birds or rodents.
Apparently wind and rain water are responsible for seed dispersal.
This tends to produce relatively scattered colonies with fairly high
density (18). Often these small populations are separated by
distances of several miles even when suitable habitat is contiguous
(18). Disturbance of the habitat by overgrazing or off-road vehicles
causes erosion and compaction of soil, and influences success of seeds
being dispersed to suitable habitats (26).
SEED BIOLOGY:
Amount of seed per fruit appears to be highly variable depending
on rain at the right time, with 1 to 27 seeds per fruit recorded (13),
and an average of ten seeds (11). Since plants average about 3
flowers per plant, approximately 30 seeds are produced per year per
plant (11). A high percentage of these are still viable after 10
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species CACTUS, NAVAJO, PEEBLES
Species Id ESIS702012
Date 13 MAR 96
years. In fact, 2 to 3 year old seeds germinate better than first
year seeds (11).
Pediocacti in general require summer dormancy (10,18), and
Pediocactus peeblesianus var. peeblesianus retracts into the soil as
other species do (18,27). The germination requirements described here
are applicable to Pediocactus and Sclerocactus and apply to greenhouse
conditions (10,18).
1) First month: temperature minus 8 degrees C (20 degrees F)
night, 2 to 5 degrees C (35 to 40 degrees F) day; soil 50
percent peat moss, 50 percent sand; mist and bottom water pot;
not in full sun.
2) Two weeks: 5 to 20 degrees C (40 to 70 degrees F) night to
day; moist.
3) 10 to 40 degrees C (50 to 110 degrees F), partial shade, wet
and humid one week per month, drying out for 3 weeks.
4) Late fall let dry for 2 months.
Seedlings are removed when they germinate and put in partial sun,
fresh air, given occasional waterings and feedings, and cooler
temperatures rather than warm (09).
Heil et al. (18) advocates stratification of seeds by freezing
dry seeds 30 days at 1 degree C.
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
Limiting factors for Peebles Navajo cactus include: Specialized
soil type; cold winters; moist, cool springs; summer dormant period;
and drying out periods (09,10,11,18,26,27). This species appears to
be in a healthy reproductive state (13,27). Several size classes
(including young plants) are represented in each population, and
fruiting success appears high. Mean ratio seedlings to adults 1:2.
Mean ratio fruit set per flower 1:2.
Populations vary greatly in size, number of individuals (range of
30 to 200 plants per population) and density (0.3 to 1.6 plants per
square meter in dense populations). Often populations are separated
by several miles even when suitable habitat is contiguous (18).
Populations fluctuate greatly in size over time, depending upon
climatic conditions to establish seedlings (11), and other factors.
Plants are eaten by beetle and butterfly larvae (11) and trampled by
cattle (13,26,27).
Without the adverse impacts caused by man, Pediocactus bradyi
appears to have stable, viable populations and therefore favorable
recovery potential (27).
ECOLOGICAL/EDAPHIC FACTORS:
Peebles Navajo cactus grows in soils derived from the Shinarump
member of the Triassic Chinle Formation between 1570 to 1615 m (about
5150 to 5300 ft). The plants grow in exposed, sunny situations in
gravelly alluvium on the 0 to 30 degree slope and sloping to flat hill
tops. The lower contact of the Shinarump is an erosion surface. The
hills are created from cliff-forming sandstone and mudstone members of
the Moenkopi Formation that rises above the basal plane (also
Moenkopi) as 30 to 46 m (100 to 150 ft) flat-topped mesas.
The soils of the habitat have been characterized as belonging to
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species CACTUS, NAVAJO, PEEBLES
Species Id ESIS702012
Date 13 MAR 96
the Gypsiorthids-Torriorthents-Haplargids Association (16,27,30).
These are shallow to deep, well to excessively well drained soils
formed in mixed alluvium. Typically, the soil surface is a gravel lag
surface with reddish brown sandy clay loam about 7.5 cm (3 in) thick
(16). The subsurface layer is a reddish brown very gravelly clay loam
(15 to 40 percent gravel) 12 to 25 cm (5 to 10 in) thick. The
substratum varies from beds with horizontal layers of pure white
crystalline gypsum in the Gypsiorthids, to stratified sand and gravel.
Permeability is slow to rapid. Available water capacity is very low
(16). Water supplying capacity is 7.5 to 15 cm (3 to 6 in).
Effective rooting depth is 25 to 150 cm (10 to 60 in) or more (27,30).
Soil pH is 8.15 (26).
The average annual precipitation is 25 cm (10 in) (28). The
average seasonal snowfall is 12.5 cm (5 in). The average frost-free
season is 175 days. In winter the average temperature is 3 degrees C
(38 degrees F). In summer the average temperature is 19 degrees C (66
degrees F). Sandstorms are common in late winter and spring, and
winds of 80.5 km/h (50 mph) are not unusual.
TROPHIC STATUS:
Phototrophic (32). Cacti have Crassulacean Acid Metabolism
(CAM). Carbon dioxide is absorbed at night, incorporated first into
malic or isocitric acid by a reversible process requiring darkness.
At low temperatures the equilibrium lies toward the acid side, but at
higher temperatures carbon dioxide is released. The lower the night
temperatures the more carbon dioxide that can be fixed as an organic
acid and the more that will be available the next day for
photosynthesis. Therefore cacti do well where there is a pronounced
periodicity in their environment, such as in arid regions (32).
CHARACTERISTIC DOMINANCE:
Component (13,26). Populations vary greatly in numbers of
individuals (range from 30 to 200 per population), and density (0.36
to 1.6 plants per square meter in dense populations) (13,26).
Populations fluctuate greatly in size over time, depending upon
climatic conditions to establish seedlings (11), and other factors.
COMMUNITY ECOLOGY:
Peebles Navajo cactus grows on the specialized soils of the
Chinle Formation discussed in the above sections concerning habitat
and ecological/edaphic factors. The populations are in the Plains and
Great Basin Grassland, near the ecotone with the Great Basin Scrub
(12). The plants in these communities are generally low in stature
(less than 1 meter tall) and vegetative cover is sparse, characterized
by low shrubs, grasses and seasonal annuals (27). Occasional
junipers are about 3 m (10 ft) tall; the canopy is open. No
quantitative data is available on associated plant communities. With
the exception of possible influence of livestock grazing, these
communities can be considered stable climax communities. Any
modification of the habitat would probably have a negative impact on
the species (13).
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
Life History - 3 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species CACTUS, NAVAJO, PEEBLES
Species Id ESIS702012
Date 13 MAR 96
Beetle and butterfly larvae eat the plants (11).
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
None.
Life History - 4 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species CACTUS, NAVAJO, PEEBLES
Species Id ESIS702012
Date 13 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Off-Road Vehicles
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human disturbance of populations
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Mining
Beneficial Land Acquisition
Beneficial Stocking captive-reared wild-strain animals
Beneficial Restricting Poaching
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Noncommercial Harvest
Beneficial Regulating commercial harvest levels
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Domestic Animals
Adverse Collecting
Existing Collecting
Adverse Commercial Exploitation
Existing Commercial Exploitation
Adverse Off Road Vehicles
Existing Off Road Vehicles
Adverse Inherent Reproductive Characteristics
Existing Inherent Reproductive Characteristics
Adverse Low Gene Pool
Existing Low Gene Pool
Adverse Surface Mines
Existing Surface Mines
Adverse Highway/Railroads
Existing Highway/Railroads
Adverse Transmission Lines/Towers
Existing Transmission Lines/Towers
Adverse Soil compaction by heavy equipment in mine areas
Existing Soil compaction by heavy equipment in mine areas
Adverse Grazing
Existing Grazing
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
At the time of listing as an Endangered species, the perceived
threats to Pediocactus peeblesianus var. peeblesianusis were (26,31):
quarrying operations for gravel, collection, trampling and habitat
destruction by cattle, off-raod vehicle use, and restriction of the
species to a specialized and localized soil type with low total
population level in small scattered populations (17,26).
The most immediate threat continues to be quarrying operations
which are stripping much of the habitat for gravel used in road
construction and commercial purposes. An unknown portion of the
presumed original habitat of this taxon, perhaps 25 percent, has
already been destroyed through gravel pit operations on the private
and State owned land on which the plant occurred. The gravel and sand
deposits of this unit are used extensively and contribute to most of
the sand and gravel used in the Holbrook area (16,30).
Peebles Navajo cactus is in demand by collectors of rare cacti
and intensive removal has occurred (01,08,11,17,24,25). Pediocacti
are some of the most difficult cacti to grow from their own roots in
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species CACTUS, NAVAJO, PEEBLES
Species Id ESIS702012
Date 13 MAR 96
cultivation (18) so it might be that a constant drain for replacement
is occurring. In spite of attempts of keeping sites vague certain
areas are well known and periodically scoured. An average of 30 seeds
are produced by each plant. Apparently wind and rain water are
responsible for seed dispersal. This tends to produce relatively
scattered colonies with fairly high density (18). Often these small
populations are separated by distances of several miles even when
suitable habitat is contiguous (18). Disturbance of the habitat by
overgrazing or off-road vehicles causes erosion and compaction of
soil, and influences success of seeds being dispersed to suitable
habitats (26). Limiting factors for Peebles Navajo cactus include:
Specialized soil type; cold winters; moist, cool springs; summer
dormant period; and drying out periods (09,10,11,18,26,27).
Cattle trample plants on BLM and State of Arizona lands as well
as on private grazing lands, especially during wet seasons when the
ground is muddy and the plants are emergent (13,26,27). The
construction of Interstate 40 around Holbrook destroyed some of the
taxons suitable habitat. A power line access road scraped the
topsoil and destroyed habitat adjacent to the BLM monitoring plots.
Other roads in the habitat are ranch roads, roads for petrified wood
collecting and ORV roads to scenic overlooks (17). ORV's cause
damage to the plants and their habitat through crushing of plants,
erosion and soil compaction (26,27).
The potential use of this habitat for homesites is a real threat
since 70 percent of the potential habitat is in private ownership.
Holbrook, AZ, is expanding rapidly into the surrounding countryside
and similar hills to the east and south have become populated. Much
advertising for "ranch sites" is evident in the Holbrook area. These
hills are considered prime land for future development (16,30).
APPROVED PLAN:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1984. Peebles Navajo Cactus
(Pediocactus peeblesianus (Croizat) L. Benson var. peeblesianus)
Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Albuquerque, New
Mexico. 58 pp.
The major threats to Pediocactus peeblesianus var. peeblesianus
are habitat destruction and collecting. Enforcement of existing
regulations are highest priority to prevent the extinction of this
species. Planned actions include:
1) Controlling ORV's through existing BLM regulations.
2) Controlling sand and gravel mining impacts on habitat by
withdrawing pertinent Federal lands from mining entry and by
compliance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act.
3) Preparing a grazing management plan for the BLM allotment
(only 20% Federal land) which will involve Section 7
consultation and should contain;
a) elimination of spring grazing,
b) complete elimination of grazing from known high density
cactus populations, and
c) banning of the high intensity/short duration Savory
grazing method.
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species CACTUS, NAVAJO, PEEBLES
Species Id ESIS702012
Date 13 MAR 96
4) Controlling collecting by enforcement of the Endangered
Species Act, CITES, the Lacey Act and Arizona State Law.
The Recovery Plan also recommends:
1) Studies on the ecology and population biology of P.
peeblesianus var. peeblesianus.
2) Monitoring of existing populations.
3) Searches for other populations within the known area and in
suitable habitat nearby.
4) Protection of known populations on private lands by;
a) enforcing existing laws and,
b) developing management control on private lands through
cooperative agreements or purchases.
5) Implementation of a Habitat Management Plan and designation of
occupied and potential habitat as an Area of Critical
Environmental Concern by the BLM.
6) Documentation of collecting losses through permanent plots.
7) Develop propagation techniques to provide nursery stocks both
to reduce collecting and for possible reintroduction.
8) Develop public awareness, appreciation and support for the
preservation of Peebles Navajo cactus.
Ongoing recovery activities include:
1) 1981-present, establishment of monitoring sites by BLM.
2) 1985-present, establishment of three additional monitoring
sites by BLM on private land.
3) A continued inventory of the species.
Management Practices - 3 (DRAFT) - References
Species CACTUS, NAVAJO, PEEBLES
Species Id ESIS702012
Date 13 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 Anon. Plant protection law. Saguaroland Bull 9:111-112.
02 Benson, L. 1961. A revision and amplification of Pediocactus I.
Cactus and Succulent J. (US) 33:49-54.
03 Benson, L. 1962. A revision and amplification of Pediocactus II.
Cactus and Succulent J. (US) 34:17-19.
04 Benson, L. 1962. A revision and amplification of Pediocactus III.
Cactus and Succulent J. (US) 34:57-60.
05 Benson, L. 1962. A revision and amplification of Pediocactus IV.
Cactus and Succulent J. (US) 34:163-168.
06 Benson, L. 1950. The cacti of Arizona. 2nd ed. The Univ. of AZ
Press, Tucson.
07 Benson, L. 1969. The cacti of Arizona. 3rd ed. The Univ. of AZ
Press, Tucson.
08 Benson, L. 1979. Pers. comm. Museum of Northern Arizona; Pomona
College, Claremont, CA.
09 Benson, L. 1982. The cacti of the United States and Canada.
Stanford Univ. Press, Stanford.
10 Brack, S. [n.d.]. Germination tips for Sclerocactus-Pediocactus-
Toumeya. Unpubl. manu.
11 Brack, S. 1985. Pers. comm. Museum of Northern Arizona; Mesa
Garden, Box 72, Belen, NM 87002.
12 Brown, D.E., C.H. Lowe and C.P. Pase. 1980. A digitized
systematic classification for ecosystems with an illustrated
summary of the natural vegetation of North America. USDA/FS Gen.
Tech. Rept. RM-73. Rocky Mtn. For. and Range Exp. Sta., Fort
Collins, CO.
13 Butterwick, M. 1985. Pers. comm. Museum of Northern Arizona;
Phoenix District Office, BLM, 2015 W. Deer Valley Road, Phoenix,
AZ 85027.
14 Cactus and Succlent Journal (US) 13:194; fig. 122.
15 Croizat, L. Navajoa, a new genus in Cactaceae. Cactus and
Succlent J. (US) 15:88-89.
16 DeWall, A. 1985. Pers. comm. Museum of Northern Arizona; Soil
Party Leader, Holbrook Soil Survey, Soil Conservation Service, 152
W. Arizona Street, Holbrook, AZ 86025.
17 Fletcher, R. 1979. Status report; Pediocactus peeblesianus var.
peeblesianus. Unpublished report on file at: USDA/FS, Region 3.
18 Heil, K., B. Armstrong, and D. Schleser. 1981. A review of the
genus Pediocactus. Cactus and Succulent J. (US) 53:17-39.
19 Kearney, T.H. and R.H. Peebles, et al. 1942. Flowering plants and
ferns. USDA Publ. 423.
20 Kearney, T.H. and R.H. Peebles, et al. 1951. Arizona flora.
Univ. of CA, Berkeley.
21 Kearney, T.H. and R.H. Peebles, et al. 1964. Arizona flora.
Univ. of CA Press, Berkeley.
22 Krainz. 1969. Kakteen, Lief. 40. C VII b.
23 Marshall, W.T. 1947. Revisions in the taxonomy and some new
recombinations in Cactaceae. Part III. Cactus and Succulent J.
(US) 19:75-77.
References - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species CACTUS, NAVAJO, PEEBLES
Species Id ESIS702012
Date 13 MAR 96
24 Newland, K.C. 1979a. Statement presented at Fish and Wildlife
Service hearings on the proposed Endangered cacti in Arizona,
Phoenix, AZ. July 11, 1979.
25 Newland, K.C. 1979. [Letter to A.M. Phillips, III]. Evaluation
of private and commercial collecting on five Arizona Endangered
cactus species, July 1979. Located at the Mus. of Northern AZ,
Flagstaff, 86001.
26 Phillips, A.M., III, B.G. Phillips, and E.M. Peterson. 1979.
Status report: Pediocactus peeblesianus (Croiz.) L. Benson var.
peeblesianus. On file at: USFWS, Albuquerque, NM.
27 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1984. Peebles Navajo Cactus
(Pediocactus peeblesianus (Croizat) L. Benson var. peeblesianus)
Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Albuquerque, New
Mexico. 58 pp.
28 Sellers, W.D. and R.H. Hill. 1974. Arizona Climate, 1931-1972.
The Univ. of AZ Press, Tucson.
29 Stewart, J.H., F.G. Poole, and R.F. Wilson. 1972. Stratigraphy
and origin of the Chinle Formation and related Upper Triassic
strata in the Colorado Plateau Region. Geological Survey
Professional Paper 690. US/GPO, Washington, DC.
30 USDA/SCS. 1982. Soil survey, a special report: City of Holbrook,
Navajo County, Arizona, central part.
31 U.S. Government. 1979. Determination that Pediocactus
peeblesianus var. peeblesianus is an endangered species. Federal
Register 44:61922-61924.
32 Went, F. 1982. The physiology of cacti. Benson, L. The cacti of
the United States and Canada. Stanford Univ. Press, Stanford.
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 Hunt, C.B. 1974. Natural regions of the U.S. and Canada. W.H.
Freeman and Co., San Francisco.
02 Phillips, A.M., III, B.G. Phillips and E.M. Peterson. 1979.
Status report: Pediocactus peeblesianus (Croiz.) L. Benson var.
peeblesianus. On file at: USFWS, Albuquerque, NM.
03 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1984. Peebles Navajo Cactus
(Pediocactus peeblesianus (Croizat) L. Benson var. peeblesianus)
Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Albuquerque, New
Mexico. 58 pp.
04 Phillips, B.G. and A.M. Phillips, III. April 1985. Personal
observations. Museum of Northern Arizona, Rt. 4, Box 720,
Flagstaff, AZ. 86001.
05 U.S. Government. 1979. Determination that Pediocactus
peeblesianus var. peeblesianus is an endangered species. Federal
Register 44: 61922-61924.
References - 2