(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species CACTUS, HEDGEHOG, KUENZLER
Species Id ESIS702025
Date 13 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - CACTUS, HEDGEHOG, KUENZLER
OTHER COMMON NAMES - CACTUS, HEDGEHOG, KUENZLER; CACTUS, HEDGEHOG, KUENZLER'S; CACTUS, HEDGEHOG and HEMP'S
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Angiosperm
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - MAGNOLIOPHYTA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - MAGNOLIOPSIDA,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - CARYOPHYLLALES,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - CACTACEAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - ECHINOCEREUS,
SPECIES AND SSP - FENDLERI, VAR.
SCIENTIFIC NAME - ECHINOCEREUS FENDLERI VAR.
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Kuenzler Hedgehog Cactus
Echinocereus fendleri var. kuenzleri (Castetter, Pierce & Schwerin)
L. Benson
KINGDOM: Plant GROUP: Angiosperm
DIVISION: Magnoliophyta CLASS: Magnoliopsida
ORDER: Caryophyllales FAMILY: Cactaceae
Echinocereus fendleri var. kuenzleri varies from single-stemmed
to branched. The stems are usually less than four but may number as
many as eight. They are normally short-conical, about 15 cm long, and
10 cm wide, with 9-12 prominent flabby ribs. The spines are angular
in cross section, bulbous and fused at the base. The central spines
are usually absent. Radial spines vary from 2 to 6 and are about
2.5 cm long. The spines are white, soft, and chalky in texture, with
the topmost spine longest. The flowers are apical, about 10 cm long
and magenta in color. The fruits are ovoid to cylindroid, to slightly
over 5 cm long. They turn bright red when mature (01,03,04).
Kuenzler hedgehog cactus was first collected in 1961 and was
known under the unpublished name of Echinocereus pseudohempelii (04).
In 1975, it appeared on the plant notice of review (40 FR 27824) as
Echinocereus hempelii, a recognized Mexican species (04). In 1976
this species was formally described by Castetter, Pierce and Schwerin
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species CACTUS, HEDGEHOG, KUENZLER
Species Id ESIS702025
Date 13 MAR 96
as Echinocereus kuenzleri (03). However, many botanists (including
Lyman Benson) felt that this taxon was properly a variety of
Echinocereus fendleri (01,04,06). In 1979 it was listed as Endangered
under the name of Echinocereus kuenzleri (04). However, with the
subsequent publishing of Benson's book "The Cacti of the United States
and Canada" in which this species appears as a variety of E. fendleri,
the overall consensus was that Kuenzler's hedgehog cactus should be
designated as Echinocereus fendleri var. kuenzleri (04).
Subsequently, the Federal Register name of Echinocereus kuenzleri was
changed to Echinocereus fendleri var. kuenzleri (04).
The holotype is at the University of New Mexico Herbarium (UNM).
There are photographs and drawings of Kuenzler's hedgehog cactus
available for public use at the New Mexico Department of Natural
Resources (06).
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species CACTUS, HEDGEHOG, KUENZLER
Species Id ESIS702025
Date 13 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
E: Federal Endangered
Commercial
Ornamental
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The Kuenzler hedgehog cactus (Echinocereus fendleri var.
kuenzleri) has been designated as Endangered 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 New Mexico.
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 variety 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.
RESPONSIBLE FEDERAL AGENCIES:
USFWS -Responsible for the management/recovery, listing, and
law enforcement/protection of this species.
BIA -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection of this
species with applicable State and Federal laws on
public lands under their control. Also responsible
for management/recovery on Bureau of Indian Affairs
lands.
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.
USFS -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection of this
species with applicable State and Federal laws on
public lands under their control. Also responsible
for management/recovery on Forest Service lands. The
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species CACTUS, HEDGEHOG, KUENZLER
Species Id ESIS702025
Date 13 MAR 96
Forest Service is responsible for integrating
management, protection, and conservation of Federally
listed species into the Forest Planning process
(36 CFR 219.19 and 219.20).
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
conservation of the species.
STATE STATUSES AND LAWS:
STATE: New Mexico
DESIGNATED STATUS: Endangered
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: NM Dept. of Natural Resources
STATE STATUTE: NM Executive Order 83-85, and NMSA 1978, 9-10-10
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
All species of Cactaceae in the Americas (except those in App. I,
which does not include Kuenzler hedgehog cactus), are listed in
Appendix II of CITES.
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
This species has horticultural value and is commercially
available from cacti and succulent dealers. It's rarity makes it
particularly desirable. It also has value as a component of New
Mexico's diversity.
75/07/01:40 FR 27823/27924 - Notice of review
76/06/16:41 FR 24523/24572 - Proposed listing as Endangered
79/10/26:44 FR 61924/61927 - Final rule - listed 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
Shrub and Brush Rangeland
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
Kuenzler's hedgehog cactus occurs in the lower fringes of the
pinyon-juniper woodland (02,04,05,07). It is normally found on gentle
slopes or near the shoulders of hilltops or hillsides consisting of
step and riser configuration (04,05). In the southern portion of its
range it occurs on limestone substrates and lithic argiustolls or
lithic haplustolls derived from them (04). At Fort Stanton, the
substrate is unconsolidated gravel hills. The parent rock of the
Fort Stanton site is of intrusive origin derived from the Sacramento
and Captitan uplifts. It does not occur in agricultural lands but is
subject to heavy grazing pressure (02,04). Normally, it occurs at an
elevational range of 5800-6400 feet, in areas with an average
precipitation of 16 inches per year (09). Generally, its habitat
enjoys 180 frost free days, with the average last killing frost date
occurring on April 30 and the average first killing frost date on
October 20 (09). The cactus does not appear to have a strong
preference for any particular aspect, but does best on slopes of
15-60 per cent. Although most of the area in which it occurs is
relatively open with little ground cover, it is believed that at one
time stands of grass covered the region, which may have acted as a
crucial element in catching seeds and hiding seedlings from herbivores
(02,05). The removal of grass and forb cover from the pinyon-juniper
woodland appears to be the major factor contributing to the overall
decline of this species (02). The construction of highways throughout
the region also resulted in loss of habitat, however, the right-of-way
fencing prohibits cattle from grazing adjacent to the highway, and in
this protected zone the plants seem to thrive (02). Highway
maintenance does impact those plants immediately adjacent to the
road, but it still leaves a buffer zone approximately 25 feet wide
where the plants are protected from grazing (02).
Habitat Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species CACTUS, HEDGEHOG, KUENZLER
Species Id ESIS702025
Date 13 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
AUTOTROPH
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species CACTUS, HEDGEHOG, KUENZLER
Species Id ESIS702025
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 Availability of fence rows: roadside ditches and grassy
G
G
G
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species CACTUS, HEDGEHOG, KUENZLER
Species Id ESIS702025
Date 13 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
HABIT:
The Kuenzler cactus is a succulent (01,02,03).
LIFE CYCLE:
Perennial (01,02,03). There are no known annual cacti (01),
the Cactaceae is a family of long lived perennials (01,02).
TYPE OF REPRODUCTION:
Sexual (01,02,03). There is no indication that this species
reproduces by bulbils, tubers, stolons or rhizomes. Nor does it
appear to reproduce vegetatively by fragmentation like other members
of the Cactaceae (02,05). Greenhouse studies by Steve Brack of Mesa
Gardens indicate that Kuenzler's hedgehog cactus is an obligate
outcrosser incapable of self pollination (02).
REPRODUCTIVE PHENOLOGY:
There are no defined germination dates for this species. It
appears that it could germinate during any part of the spring,
summer, or fall if sufficient rainfall is present (02). Steve Brack
(02) has found that soil temperature must be at least 70 deg. F and
there must be considerable moisture present. Budding occurs in
April (02,05). The flowering date is normally early May (1-15) but on
warm yet wet years it can flower earlier (02). Fruits form in August
(02,05). The dispersal of seeds (usually from September to October)
is somewhat dependent upon the abundance of the summer rainfall. If
the summer season is good, and the fall food supply for rodents is
high, then seed dispersal may be prolonged. Conversely, if the summer
is dry, and food supplies are low, then rodents will attack the fruit
as soon as it matures (02).
SEX OR SPORE STATUS:
Monoclinous (01,02). The flowers of this species contain both
male and female parts. There is no known variation in this
arrangement, and the plants have been demonstrated to be obligate
out-crossers (01,02).
POLLINATION, SPORE AND SEED DISSEMINATION:
Pollinators for this species are primarily bees, and to a lesser
degree beetles and butterflies. Seed dissemination agents are
rodents and natural transportation by wind and water. The
dissemination by rodents is external. They in fact eat most of the
seeds, and only those that escape their predation by falling to the
ground are likely to survive (02).
SEED BIOLOGY:
Greenhouse studies indicate that each plant sets 3-6 fruits, with
an average of 1,050 seeds per fruit. This figure seems to be
consistent from year to year. The seeds are over 90 per cent viable
and survive about 5 years. There are no known dormancy requirements
and over 90 per cent of the seeds germinate under the proper
conditions. To germinate, the seeds must lie on or near the surface
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species CACTUS, HEDGEHOG, KUENZLER
Species Id ESIS702025
Date 13 MAR 96
of the soil, the soil temperature must be at least 70 deg. F, and
there must be sufficient moisture (02). Steve Brack (02) estimates
that an average plant will produce about 50,000 seeds in its lifetime.
Most of these seeds are destroyed by rodents, the rest enter into the
germination cycle (02,06). The plant appears to require a limestone
soil to grow and develop (02).
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
Present day populations of Kuenzler hedgehog cactus are rather
diffuse, composed of area clusters of plants concentrated in a small
area, but surrounded by individual plants dispersed over miles of
the surrounding habitat (02,05). It appears that there are few
natural threats to the species, individuals protected from man made
factors die from old age (02). In the most favorable habitat, density
of the plants will be one individual every 50 feet. Most of the time
the density is one plant every several hundred yards (02). The major
causes of mortality is destruction by grazing. Cattle and sheep
remove grass cover which is somewhat essential for survival of the
species. The result is easy access to the adult plants by herbivores,
and increased erosion which effects seedling establishment (02). The
populations are presently on a decline (02,05). However, the recovery
potential for this species is high (02). With removal of cattle and
sheep, and anonymity of population sites this species would probably
recover (02,05).
ECOLOGICAL/EDAPHIC FACTORS:
The soils of the preferred habitat are skeletal with the
substrate being derived from limestone or intrusive parent material
forming either Lithic Argiustolls or Lithic Haplustolls (04,05). The
plants are primarily found in the lower fringes of pinyon-juniper
woodland, on gentle slopes or near the shoulders or hilltops (02,04).
They occasionally occur on shallow soils on the flat steps of
hillsides consisting of a step and riser configuration (04,05). Most
plants occur on hillsides with 15-60 per cent slopes at an elevational
range of 5,800-6,400 feet (1,770-1,950 m). The average annual
precipitation within the range of Kuenzler hedgehog cactus is 16
inches (with and average winter precipitation of 1.9 inches, average
spring precipitation of 3.5 inches, average summer precipitation of
6 inches and an average fall precipitation of 4.5 inches) (09). There
are approximately 180 frost free days per year with the average last
killing frost date occurring on April 30, and the average date of
first killing frost on October 20 (09). The underlying parent
substrate may be Permian limestone, (08) or unconsolidated gravel
cobble hillsides derived from intrusive parent rock.
TROPHIC STATUS:
All known members of the Cactaceae are phototrophic, there are
no known variations to this pattern (01). There are no apparent
host or symbiont relationships for this species (02,05,06).
CHARACTERISTIC DOMINANCE:
Kuenzler hedgehog cactus is a minor component of the surrounding
pinyon-juniper woodland (02,05,06). Its average density is one plant
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species CACTUS, HEDGEHOG, KUENZLER
Species Id ESIS702025
Date 13 MAR 96
every several hundred feet (02). It has no apparent effect upon the
surrounding community (02,05).
COMMUNITY ECOLOGY:
This species is a minor component of the lower fringes of
pinyon-juniper woodland (02,04,05,07). This is a broad ranging
stable community, whose distribution is determined by the overlapping
biannual rainfall pattern which covers the region (06). The dominant
species in this community within the range of Kuenzler hedgehog
cactus are: Baccharis pternoides, Bouteloua gracilis, Eragrostis
intermedia, Eriogonum havardii, Garrya ovata, Hedeoma pulchella,
Juniperus deppeana, Juniperus monosperma, Lesquerella valida,
Mammillllaria heyderi, Pinus edulis, and Salvia earlei (04,07).
There are no obvious natural successional trends in this community, but
induced disclimax usually results in a proliferation of grasses, and
forbs (06).
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
There are no known such relationships (02,05,06).
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
No additional information is known (06).
Life History - 3 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species CACTUS, HEDGEHOG, KUENZLER
Species Id ESIS702025
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 Controlling/Restricting Road Maintainance Actions
Beneficial Land Acquisition
Beneficial Stocking captive-reared wild-strain animals
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 Rural Residential/Industrial Areas
Existing Rural Residential/Industrial Areas
Adverse Highway/Railroads
Existing Highway/Railroads
Adverse Grazing
Existing Grazing
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
Echinocereus fendleri var. kuenzleri is threatened by the
impacts of cattle grazing, and over-collecting by cactus
enthusiasts (both for commercial and noncommercial purposes)
(02,04,05). In addition to cattle grazing the impact of sheep
grazing on this species was probably a significant factor contributing
to its decline (02). This species is sensitive to trampling from
cattle and sheep (02). It is likely that overgrazing initially
reduced the numbers of this species throughout its range (06). With
its discovery in 1961, cactus collectors sought out this species and
reduced its numbers to the point of near extinction in the wild
(04,06). To a lesser degree road improvements and maintenance, and
real estate development are also threats to this species (04).
However, it should be noted that the areas along the highway
right-of-way's, that are fenced off from the access of cattle, contain
some of the most dense stands of this species (02). The clearing of
weeds along the inner edge of these right-of-ways, leaves a narrow
band of plants between the fence on the outer edge, and the road
shoulder on the inner edge (02). The threats of grazing, collection,
and development are still present and active in the decline of this
species (06). The highway department is presently being notified of
areas of critical concern along the right-of-ways and positive action
to reduce the threats from maintenance is likely to occur in the near
future (06). There are no variations in threats across the geographic
range of this species (02).
There are rumors of the possibility of grazing goats on the
Lincoln National Forest in the near future. If these reports are true
it could be devastating to the Kuenzler hedgehog cactus as well as
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species CACTUS, HEDGEHOG, KUENZLER
Species Id ESIS702025
Date 13 MAR 96
many other rare species in the Sacramento Mountain Range (06).
APPROVED PLAN:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. Kuenzler Hedgehog Cactus
Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Albuquerque, NM 44 pp.
Since the three known populations of Kuenzler hedgehog cacti
contain less than 1,000 plants, it is essential that this species and
its habitat be protected. Kuenzler hedgehog cactus must be given the
fullest protection possible by enforcement of collecting and trade
regulations under the Endangered Species Act, CITES, the Lacey Act,
and New Mexico law. Habitat management plans for Kuenzler hedgehog
cactus habitat need to be developed and implemented by the Forest
Service and BLM.
These plans need minimally to:
1. restrict ORV use (limit access) in Kuenzler hedgehog cactus range,
2. develop monitoring studies of the effects of grazing on Kuenzler
hedgehog cactus, and
3. restrict mineral exploration and other human activities in Kuenzler
hedgehog cactus habitat.
Management of State lands that contain Kuenzler hedgehog cactus
habitat is also needed; cooperative agreements should be developed
with responsible agencies and efforts to provide adequate legal
protection for cacti should be supported. Since the majority of
occupied habitat is on private land, cooperation of the landowner is
essential to survival of the species. A cooperative agreement with
the landowner should be developed and a habitat management plan that
emphasizes land uses beneficial to the cactus and that enhance
existing Kuenzler hedgehog cactus habitat should be developed and
implemented. The construction of highways throughout the region
also resulted in loss of habitat (02). Highway maintenance does
impact those plants immediately adjacent to the road (02).
Information required for better management include determination
of: (1) soil needs, (2) water and temperature relationships, (3) slope
and aspect preferences, (4) means of seed dispersal, (5) pollinators,
(6) life history characteristics, and (7) demographic trends.
Searches for new populations of Kuenzler hedgehog cactus outside the
known range should continue, as should monitoring of known
populations. Studies of the genetic relationship between Kuenzler
hedgehog cactus and other varieties of E. fenleri need to be conducted
using chromosome counts, morphological comparisons, and
electrophoretic/chromatographic methods. Other management needs seen
by the recovery plan include development of:
1. a comprehensive trade management plan for all cacti,
2. a monitoring study to determine the impact of collecting on
Kuenzler hedgehog cactus,
3. propagation techniques to provide nursery stocks and seeds to
reduce collecting pressure (commercial and noncommercial) and
provide cultivated plants for reintroduction into depleted suitable
habitat, and
4. increase public support for preservation of the cactus.
Ongoing recovery actions include: (1) monitoring plots
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species CACTUS, HEDGEHOG, KUENZLER
Species Id ESIS702025
Date 13 MAR 96
established on private and BLM lands (beginning in 1986 to 1991) by
the New Mexico Natural Resources Department, and (2) ecological
studies will also be ongoing during the same period.
Management Practices - 3 (DRAFT) - References
Species CACTUS, HEDGEHOG, KUENZLER
Species Id ESIS702025
Date 13 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 Benson, L. 1982. The Cacti of the Unite States and Canada.
Stanford Univ. Press, Calif.
02 Brack, S. 1985. Pers. comm. Mesa Gardens, Belen, NM.
03 Cactetter, E.F., P. Pierce, and K.H. Schwerin. 1976. A new cactus
species and two new varieties from New Mexico. Cactus and Succulent
Journ. Vol. XLVIII:76-82.
04 Fletcher, R. 1979. Status report on Echinocereus fendleri var.
kuenzleri. U.S. Forest Serv., Albuquerque, NM 10 pp.
05 Fletcher, R. 1985. Pers. comm. U.S. Forest Serv., Albuquerque,
NM 87196.
06 Knight, P. 1985. Pers. knowledge. Corrales, NM 87048.
07 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. Kuenzler Hedgehog Cactus
Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Albuquerque, NM 44 pp.
08 Dane, C.H. and G.O. Bachman. 1965. Geological map of New Mexico.
NM Institute of Mining and Tech., Socorro, NM.
09 Tuan, Yi-Fu, Cyril E. Evert, and Jerold C. Widdson. 1973. The
climate of New Mexico., State Planning Office, Santa Fe, NM.
197 pp.
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 Benson, L. 1982. The Cacti of the United States and Canada.
Stanford Univ. Press, Calif.
02 Brack, S. 1985. Pers. comm. Mesa Gardens, Belen, NM.
03 Cactetter, E.F., P. Pierce, and K.H. Schwerin. 1976. A new cactus
species and two new varieties from New Mexico. Cactus and Succulent
Journ. Vol. XLVIII:76-82.
04 Fletcher, R. 1979. Status report on Echinocereus fendleri var.
kuenzleri. U.S. Forest Serv., Albuquerque, NM 10 pp.
05 Fletcher, R. 1985. Pers. comm. U.S. Forest Serv., Albuquerque,
NM. 87196.
06 Juen, J. 1983. Status of plants on public lands in southeast
New Mexico. Bureau of Land Mgmt., Roswell Dist.
07 Knight, P. 1985. Pers. knowledge. Corrales, NM 87048.
08 Wagner, W.L. and D.G. Sabo. 1977. Status report for Echinocerus
fendleri var. kuenzleri. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv. 7 pp.
09 New Mexico Department of Natural Resources. 1985. Natural
Resources Information System, Santa Fe, NM.
10 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. Kuenzler Hedgehog Cactus
Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Albuquerque, NM. 44 pp.
References - 1