(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species GOETZEA, BEAUTIFUL
Species Id ESIS704007
Date 13 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - GOETZEA, BEAUTIFUL
OTHER COMMON NAMES - GOETZEA and BEAUTIFUL; MATABUEY; MANZANILLA
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Angiosperm
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - MAGNOLIOPHYTA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - MAGNOLIOPSIDA,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - SOLANALES,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - SOLANACEAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - GOETZEA,
SPECIES AND SSP - ELEGANS,
SCIENTIFIC NAME - GOETZEA ELEGANS
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Beautiful Goetzea
Goetzea elegans Wydler
KINGDOM: Plant GROUP: Angiosperm
DIVISION: Magnoliophyta CLASS: Magnoliopsida
ORDER: Solanales FAMILY: Solanaceae
The beautiful goetzea is an evergreen shrub or small tree up to
15 m (45-50 ft) tall and 25 cm DBH. The slender twigs, petioles,
peduncles, calyx, corolla, and fruit puberulent with ferruginous
hairs. The leaves alternate, simple, extipulate. The blades 5-10 cm
long and 3-5 cm wide, elliptic, entire, the base acute, the apex acute
to shortly acuminate, the upper surface dark shiny green and glabrous,
the lower surface pale green with a prominent and puberulent midvein,
both surfaces with prominent, characteristic, numerous, straight and
parallel side veins. The petiole 3-8 mm long. The flowers axillary,
actinomorphic, perfect, usually solitary and borne on curved peduncles
9-11 mm long. The calyx campanulate, 4-5 mm long, the lobes 6, their
free apices 1-2 mm long. The corolla yellowish, funnel-form, 16-18 mm
long, the lobes 6, 6-8 mm long, acute, reflexed. The corolla 10-12 mm
wide at the throat and up to 20 mm wide from the tips of the lobes.
The stamens 6, epipetalous at the base of the corolla and alternate
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species GOETZEA, BEAUTIFUL
Species Id ESIS704007
Date 13 MAR 96
with the corolla lobes, free for the rest of their length and long
exserted. The anthers versatile, ca. 2.5 mm long. The ovary
superior, ca. 1 mm in diameter, 2-celled, hairy at the base, the style
somewhat shorter than the stamens but exserted, the stigma 2-lobed but
appearing globose. The fruit an orange, subglobose berry ca. 2 cm in
diameter. The seeds ca. 6 mm long (01).
Goetzea elegans is usually referred to the family Solanaceae.
However, this genus and four others are sometimes grouped into a
distinct family, Goetzeaceae (02).
Ilex exandra Bello (01) is the only synonym for the species, but
is almost unknown in the literature. This name, published by Bello
in 1881, probably was based on one specimen from the Krug & Urban
Herbarium, lost during World War II. Common names for this species
are beautiful goetzea, matabuey, and manzanilla.
The type of Goetzea elegans is a specimen collected by Wydler in
1827 (23). The type was probably the first specimen collected (01).
It was collected at an unknown location in Puerto Rico, where it was
found growing along a hedge mostly composed of large bromeliads (01).
According to Wydler (1830) the hedge was composed of Bromelia karatas,
but most probably it was B. penguin, which is commonly used in Puerto
Rico for that purpose (01). The exact locality was not given by
Wydler, but perhaps it was in Quebradillas (01).
Goetzea elegans has been collected by Eggers (03), Holdrige and
Gerhart (04), Martorell and Meding-Guad (05), Martorell, Nunez and
Garcia (06), and Martorell et al. (07). Specimens of these
collections can be found in the following herbaria: NY, US and EEA
(01). Publications useful for species description, photographs or
drawings include Little et al. (08), Woodbury (09), Wydler (10), and
Ayensu et al. (11). Knowledgeable individuals on Goetzea elegans are
Vivaldi (12), Woodbury (13), D'Arcy (14), and Diaz-Soltero (15).
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species GOETZEA, BEAUTIFUL
Species Id ESIS704007
Date 13 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
Puerto Rico; Federal Endangered
Puerto Rico; State Listed
E: Federal Endangered
Ornamental
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The beautiful goetzea (Goetzea elegans) 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
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
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).
RESPONSIBLE FEDERAL AGENCIES:
USFWS -Responsible for the management/recovery, listing, and
law enforcement/protection of this species.
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
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: Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
DESIGNATED STATUS: Endangered
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Department of Natural Resources
STATE STATUTE: Regulation to Govern the Management of Threatened
and Endangered Species in the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico, 1985.
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
None.
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species GOETZEA, BEAUTIFUL
Species Id ESIS704007
Date 13 MAR 96
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
The beautiful goetzea has horticultural (ornamental) potential.
80/12/15:45 FR 82479/82569 - Notice of review of taxa
83/02/15:48 FR 06752/06753 - Notice of findings on review of status
84/06/18:49 FR 24903/24906 - Proposed rule, list as Endangered
85/04/19:50 FR 15564/15567 - Final rule, listed as Endangered
85/09/27:50 FR 39526/39584 - Notice of review of plant taxa
Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - TERRESTRIAL
TERRESTRIAL
LAND USE -
Transportation, communications, and Util
Cropland and Pasture
Deciduous Forest Land
Mixed Forest Land
Bare Exposed Rock
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
The following, unless otherwise indicated, is taken from the
species Status Report (01).
Goetzea elegans presently occurs in terrestrial areas not
considered riparian, in the Subtropical Moist Forest of Puerto Rico
according to the Holdrige system of Life Zones, by Ewell and Whitmore
(25). Several formations are found within this Life-Zone in Puerto
Rico and the area may be best categorized in terms of the Beard (26,
27) system as a semi-evergreen seasonal forest. G. elegans is known
to have occurred in the past in evergreen and semi-evergreen seasonal
forests on the northern foothills, of Puerto Rico at elevations below
200 m, from the Luquillo Mountains west to Quebradillas.
At present, the three sites where G. elegans is present are
located on semi-evergreen seasonal forest. In this formation over two
hundred species of trees are present, in two strata. The upper strata
is composed of a continuous layer extending up to 20 meters and with a
few emergent trees up to 25 m tall. Between 33 and 66 percent of the
species are deciduous, and most species have compound, mesophyllous,
pale green leaves (13). The lower layer extends up to 10 m and the
number of deciduous species is very low or none at all, depending on
the moisture available in each particular site. Most species are
evergreen, with simple, microphyllous, deep green leaves. Palm
species are common in this layer and are an important factor in the
forest. The trees in this formation usually lack buttressing. Lianas
are well developed, both woody and herbaceous, but epiphytes are
usually lacking.
The Goetzea elegans plants in the two Guajataca Gorge sites fall
into the shrub/seedling stand category, individual plants being one
inch or less in diameter. The plants on the Quebradillas site fall
into 3 categories: the shrub/seedling stands category, the young
stand category and the mature stand category.
Two of the sites where G. elegans grows are privately owned, one
in the Guajataca Gorge and one in Quebradillas (18,19,20). The other
site, in the Guajataca Gorge, is owned by the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico's Dept. of Transportation and Public Works. This species occurs
on lands with the following land use classifications: transportation,
communication and utilities; croplands and pasture; semi-evergreen
forest land; and mixed forest lands. The species has been affected
and could be affected in the future by the agricultural practice of
clearing lands for pasture and cattle grazing. Some surrounding areas
are currently used for pasture.
The beautiful goetzea does not associate with any of the National
Wetland Inventory aquatic types. The unique habitat features in which
the species occurs include the vegetated island of Puerto Rico, along
two highways (Guajataca Gorge area) near the base of a ditch near the
intersection of Road 113 and Hwy #2, at the base of a hill mostly
covered by exposed limestone, and a ravine (Quebradillas site). If
these are disturbed the species would disappear.
Habitat Associations - 1
Soil:
The soils of the Evergreen and Semi-evergreen Seasonal Forests of
Puerto Rico are well drained and no water logging occurs, even in
heavy rains. They are rocky, steep, and shallow.
The soils on the two Guajataca Gorge sites are described by the
Soil Survey as Limestone Outcrops. In this land type over 75% of the
area is covered by exposed limestone. In those areas where soil is
present, it is shallow, 2 to 5 inches deep, and rocky. These sites
agree with the Soil Survey soil description. On one site, the plants
are growing at the base of the hill onan area mostly covered by
exposed limestone. Very little or no soil is present. This site
collects all the moisture from above and from the road and may be
wetter than the surrounding areas, but is well drained and no water
logging occurs.
Regional Microclimate:
The Evergreen and Semi-evergreen Seasonal Forests of Puerto Rico
receive 175 to 200 cm of rainfall per year, with the average month
receiving 7.5 cm. Rainfall is distributed into distinct dry and wet
seasons. The dry season lasts from January to March and the driest
month receives about 5 cm of rain. The wet season lasts from May to
November with two consistent peaks, one in May and one in July. The
wettest month receives about 10 cm of rain. Showers tend to be
torrential and short, lasting 15 to 30 minutes. They occur mostly in
the early hours of the afternoon.
Available moisture is the most important climatological factor.
It depends on the rate of evaporation and the lateral movement of
water through the porous limestone that underlies the Karst region.
The rate of evaporation decreases from north to south in the Karst
region. In San Juan, the long-term average rate of evaporation is
2,072 mm, in Corozal it is 1,761 mm for six years, and in Isabela it
is 1,401 mm for six years (28). Cloud cover is minimal and deposition
of moisture from clouds or fog is not present.
Mean annual temperature ranges from 26.1 degrees C in
Quebradillas to 23 degrees C in Lares with a seasonal variation of
about 3 degrees C. The cool season extends from January to March, and
the warm season from July to September.
The easterly trade winds are almost constant. Usually they are
not very strong, and exceed 24 kph only 5% of the time. Although
hurricanes occur every year in the Caribbean, only six have passed
over Puerto Rico in the last 100 years (29). Winds as strong as 250
kph and rainfall of as much as 40 cm in one day are the most important
consequences of hurricanes. Data as to the effects of hurricanes on
forest is meager. Bates (30) reports that more trees are broken up
than uprooted. He found that some trees, in losing their leaves
early, before the winds become strong, escape serious damage. Dense
forests seem to suffer less than open forests.
"Solar radiation within the Karst is correlated with the
precipitation pattern on an annual basis, as well as on a daily basis.
It decreases from north to south and in the morning is higher than in
the afternoons" (28). Chinea also reports an extrapolation of 3,263
K Cal/m/day for Rio Abajo Forest's solar radiation.
Habitat Associations - 2 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species GOETZEA, BEAUTIFUL
Species Id ESIS704007
Date 13 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
AUTOTROPH
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species GOETZEA, BEAUTIFUL
Species Id ESIS704007
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 Coastal Features: Vegetated offshore islands
G Terrestrial Features: Rock outcrops
G
G Availability of fence rows: roadside ditches and grassy
G
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species GOETZEA, BEAUTIFUL
Species Id ESIS704007
Date 13 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
HABIT:
The beautiful goetzea (Goetzea elegans) is a shrub-tree in form
(01,17,18,19,20).
LIFE CYCLE:
Perennial (01,17,19,20).
TYPE OF REPRODUCTION:
G. elegans reproduces by sexual means (01,17,19,20). The first
observation and collection of a specimen of G. elegans in flower since
1936 occurred in 1984. Dr. Jose L. Vivaldi took photographs of
flowers and fruit in a large tree (15 cm diameter and 10-20 m tall)
located on the Quebradillas site (19,20).
REPRODUCTIVE PHENOLOGY:
Generally nothing is known. Flowers and fruit are produced from
May to August (01). Recent observations (12) have shown that only a
small percentage of the flowers eventually mature to fruit.
SEX OR SPORE STATUS:
Monoecious (01).
POLLINATION, SPORE AND SEED DISSEMINATION:
The method by which pollen is disseminated is not known, but is
probably by an animal vector. Seeds are disseminated by birds (12).
A high incidence of broken/cut styles has been observed (12).
Presumably a reduction in fertilization is the result. Although the
animal that cuts the styles is unknown, birds and/or insects are
primary suspects.
SEED BIOLOGY:
Unknown.
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
The Goetzea elegans plants on the first Guajataca Gorge site
occupy an area 1 m wide and 5 m long, for a total of 5 sq. meters
(01). On the second Guajataca Gorge site the plants occupy an area of
two square meters (01). On the third site (Quebradillas), there are
Goetzea elegans plants scattered in an area of approximately 5 acres
(12).
ECOLOGICAL/EDAPHIC FACTORS:
The following, unless otherwise indicated, is taken from the
species Status Report (01).
Puerto Rico can be divided into three main physiographic units,
one of which is a belt of rugged karst topography in the north-central
and northwestern parts of the island. The Semi-evergreen Forests
on which G. elegans occurs are located on the latter.
The karst area is mostly underlain by limestone and solution is
the most important geomorphologic agent. Topography varies from
extremely rugged to gentle rolling hills with a relief of only a few
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species GOETZEA, BEAUTIFUL
Species Id ESIS704007
Date 13 MAR 96
tens of meters. Altitude varies from sea level to 530 m at the
highest point near the town of Utuado (28). The area contains
features such as caves, canyons, sinkholes, subterranean rivers, and
asymetrical rolling hills (31). Drainage, for the most part, is
subterranean. Minor outcrops of chalk, dolomite, and volcanic rocks
are also found within the karst area (31).
The limestone strata have been divided into six formations:
Lares, Cibao, Aguada, Aymamon, Camuy, and Mucarabones. The first five
formations are in ascending stratigraphic order. The Mucarabones
sands are found between the Lares and Cibao formations and are
composed of Limestone only in a small lens near Morovis. All
formations range from late Oligocene to middle Miocene in age. Their
regional dip is to the north, 5 degrees on the southern border and
less than 1 degree on the north coast. The formations are about
1,700 m thick (28).
Occasionally the limestone formations are overlain by coastal
alluvial or blanket deposits. These deposits fill in the depressions
between mogotes and the ridges of mogotes. The deposits are derived
from debris from the volcanic interior brought in by rivers during the
long period between the deposition of the limestone and its gradual
uplift to its present altitude above sea level. Their overall
quartz:clay ratio is 65:35 (32). The range in pH is between 4.6 and
6.8 (33). Most blanket deposits are used for agriculture. Only those
that are local or isolated have retained their forest cover.
The karst region has been subdivided by Monroe (31) into valley
features, hill features, zanjones (trenches), caves, and minor
features. The hill features have been further subdivided into three
categories: cone karst, mogotes, and river and coastal rampart.
Evergreen and Semi-evergreen Seasonal Forests are present in the first
two. Topographically, cone karst and mogotes are very similar. They
are either sharp, pointed or oval hills. Physiographically they are
very different. Cone karst, best developed in the Lares Limestone,
are surrounded by limestone. Mogotes are surrounded by blanket
deposits and are composed, for the most part, of Aymamon Limestone
(31). Most mogotes, also called haystack hills, look asymmetric, with
the steepest side on the westerly quarter. There is much controversy
as to the processes responsible for this asymmetry.
Soil:
The soils of the Evergreen and Semi-evergreen Seasonal Forests of
Puerto Rico are well drained and no water logging occurs, even in
heavy rains. They are rocky, steep, and shallow.
The soils on the two Guajataca Gorge sites are described by the
Soil Survey as Limestone Outcrops. In this land type over 75% of the
area is covered by exposed limestone. In those areas where soil is
present, it is shallow, 2 to 5 inches deep, and rocky. These sites
agree with the Soil Survey soil description. On one site, the plants
are growing at the base of the hill on an area mostly covered by
exposed limestone. Very little or no soil is present. This site
collects all the moisture from above and from the road and may be
wetter than the surrounding areas, but is well drained and no water
logging occurs.
TROPHIC STATUS:
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species GOETZEA, BEAUTIFUL
Species Id ESIS704007
Date 13 MAR 96
Phototrophic (01).
CHARACTERISTIC DOMINANCE:
The beautiful goetzea is a component of its vegetative community
(01).
COMMUNITY ECOLOGY:
Unless otherwise indicated, all the following information is
taken from the species Status Report (01).
Goetzea elegans presently occurs in Subtropical Seasonal Forest.
This formation is composed of over two hundred species of trees in two
strata. The upper strata is composed of a continuous layer extending
up to 20 meters and with a few emergent trees up to 25 m tall.
Between 33 and 66 percent of the species are deciduous, and most
species have compound, mesophyllous, pale green leaves (13). The most
common species in the upper layer are Bucida buceras, Bursera
simaruba, and Tabebuia heterophylla.
The lower layer extends up to 10 m tall and the number of
deciduous species is very low or none at all, depending on the
moisture available in each particular site. Most species are
evergreen, with simple, microphyllous, deep green leaves. The trees
in this formation usually lack butressing. The lower layer is
dominated by Eugenia biflora, E. foetida, E. axillaris, Guaiacum
officinalis, G. sanctum, Coccoloba diversifolia, and C. microstachya.
Palm species are common in this layer and are an important factor in
the forest. The palm Cocothrynax alta is an indicator for this type
of formation. Lianas are well developed, both woody and herbaceous,
but epiphytes are usually lacking.
Although species that could be considered Threatened or
Endangered are found within the Evergreen or Semi-evergreen Seasonal
Forests, only the Federally listed (Endangered) Epicrates inornatus
(Puerto Rico boa) and the prickly-ash (Zanthoxylum thomasianum) are
known to inhabit the sites where G. elegans has been found.
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
None.
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
None.
Life History - 3 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species GOETZEA, BEAUTIFUL
Species Id ESIS704007
Date 13 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human disturbance of populations
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Road Maintainance Actions
Beneficial Maintaining undisturbed/undeveloped areas
Beneficial Land Acquisition
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Agricultural Practice
Beneficial Maintaining Sperm/Seed Banks
Beneficial Stocking captive-reared wild-strain animals
Beneficial Transplanting wild animals
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Noncommercial Harvest
Adverse Low Gene Pool
Existing Low Gene Pool
Adverse Predation
Existing Predation
Adverse Surface Mines
Existing Surface Mines
Adverse Highway/Railroads
Existing Highway/Railroads
Adverse Soil compaction by heavy equipment in mine areas
Existing Soil compaction by heavy equipment in mine areas
Adverse Grazing
Existing Grazing
Adverse Forest Alteration
Existing Forest Alteration
Adverse Harvesting
Existing Harvesting
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
There are 3 major reasons for the Endangered status of Goetzea
elegans: habitat destruction or alteration, inadequate regulatory
mechanisms, and other natural or manmade factors (01,16,17,18). Road
construction, periodic trimming of roadside vegetation, certain
livestock grazing practices, and potential limestone mining, all
threaten this species survival (01,16,17,18).
Goetzea elegans is threatened by habitat alteration and direct
destruction of plants. Plants growing along highway right-of-ways are
subject to pruning or complete removal. Where plants are growing
along fencelines adjacent to pastures, cutting or trampling by
livestock may threatened their existence. The Quebrada Bellaca
population near Quebradillas is bounded on all sides by pasture, and
livestock are free to roam along the steambed to which the plants are
confined.
A possible threat to these sites is road construction (01,16,17,
18). In recent years, many roads have been resurfaced or widened in
Puerto Rico. Some of the roads in the Guajataca area are now being
repaired, straightened or widened, including Highway #2 (01,16,17).
Any future projects, unless done with consideration and care, could
either destroy or substantially modify habitat upon which individuals
of Goetzea elegans depend.
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species GOETZEA, BEAUTIFUL
Species Id ESIS704007
Date 13 MAR 96
The inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms is a threat for
Goetzea elegans. The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico only recently
enacted legislation (Sept. 1983) (21) and regulations (Dec. 1985) (22)
to protect Endangered or Threatened species (15). A Memorandum of
Understanding between the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department
of Natural Resources (DNR) was signed in 1984 (15) to delegate to the
Commonwealth's DNR responsibility for enforcing the Federal Endangered
Species Act. DNR has initiated a modest Endangered Species program
(1985), but it is not working on Goetzea elegans at present (1986) nor
is work planned in the near future (15). DNR has a list of Rare and
Endangered species that includes G. elegans (24). However, most of
the plants are on private lands where most of the mechanisms that
could be used to protect Rare or Endangered flora do not apply. If
mining activities (such as limestone mining) become involved, the DNR
presumably could prohibit such activities in order to save a
particular site by making reference to Law 144, June 3, 1976,
"Extraccion de materiales de la corteza terrestre", which regulates
mining activities (17). However, whether or not this prohibition
could be used to control the taking of an Endangered plant would
depend on the interpretation of the law by Commonwealth courts (17).
There is no established precedent, and the protection this law
provides to the species is probably minimal (17).
Other natural or manmade factors also affect the continued
existence of Goetzea elegans (01,16,17,18). Periodic trimming of the
plants along the roadside during routine vegetation management for
road maintenance is the most serious immediate threat to the species
(01,17). Sometimes the plants are cut back to the ground. This
practice has resulted in stunted growth and is probably responsible
for the lack of observed flowers and fruits in recent years on the
Guajataca Gorge sites, as well as the lack of seedlings (01,17).
Recent observations (12) have shown that only a small percent of
the flowers eventually mature to fruit. Further observations showed
that a high percentage of the flowers had the style cut near the base,
presumably by a bird or insect (12). This biological factor may prove
to be a major cause of endangerment (12).
Goetzea elegans is found in three small, compact isolated groups
probably composing one population (01,17). The total number of
individual plants known is less that 50 (17). At one of the two
Guajataca Gorge sites, 30 plants were counted in 1955; they have now
been reduced to only 6 plants. Loss of genetic variation in the
species is therefore probable. It has a very narrow ecological niche
and is restricted to ravines and ledges in semi-evergreen seasonal
forests on limestone. These factors make G. elegans even more
vulnerable to the threats described (01,17).
Future perceived threats to the species include the 3 reasons
that have endangered it up to the present: continuation of the
habitat destruction or alteration, inadequate regulatory mechanisms,
and other natural or manmade factors (01,17). A fourth future threat
is the overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific or
educational purposes. Taking has not been a documented factor in the
decline of this species, but could easily become a factor in the
future (01,17). The species occurs along a road near habitations and
has potential as an ornamental plant (01,17). Professional
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species GOETZEA, BEAUTIFUL
Species Id ESIS704007
Date 13 MAR 96
cultivation from cuttings and tissue culture is being attempted (01,
17).
A fifth future threat is predation (01,17). Grazing could become
a threat in the future at two of the privately owned sites, since
adjacent lands are already being used as cattle pasture (01,17).
Predation, presumed to be from birds or insects, on flowers may
continue to be a major factor in the species' status (12).
A newly proposed project that may threaten the species is a
recreational complex to be located nearby (01,17). The complex
reportedly would include the largest amusement park in the Caribbean,
with an associated resort. This project and the secondary development
that would accompany it could destroy or adversely modify the species
habitat.
APPROVED PLAN:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1987. Beautiful Goetzea (Goetzea
elegans) Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta,
GA. 35 pp.
Ongoing recovery actions include propagation by Fairchild
Tropical Garden, Miami, FL. Other recovery recommendations include:
1) Restrictions on non-commercial harvest.
2) Transplanting of seeds or vegetative material.
3) Propagation for reintroduction.
4) Maintenance of a seed bank.
5) Restrictions on agricultural practices. The effect of grazing by
domestic animals is as yet unknown but may need to be controlled.
6) Restrictions on land development.
7) Restrictions on road maintenance activities, and
8) Limiting human access.
In addition, land acquisition may be necessary or appropriate
where at least one population of this species exists.
Management Practices - 3 (DRAFT) - References
Species GOETZEA, BEAUTIFUL
Species Id ESIS704007
Date 13 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 Vivaldi, J.L., R.O. Woodbury and H. Diaz-Soltero. 1981. Status
report on Goetzea elegans Wydler. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Region 4, Office of Endangered Species. 48 pp.
02 Airy Shaw, H.K., ed. 1973. A dictinary of the flowering plants
and ferns, 8th ed. Cambridge Univ. Press. 1245 pp.
03 Eggers 1196. Puerto Rico, in forest at Jimenez, near Rio Grande,
May 1883 (NY,US).
04 Holdrige and Gerhart 446. Puerto Rico, northern foothills of the
Loquillo Mountains, a tree 20 feet tall in height and 2 1/2 inches
in diameter, 28 May 1936 (NY).
05 Martorell and Medina-Guad sn. Puerto Rico, Guajataca Gorge, 30
April 1958 (EEA).
06 Martorell, Nunez and Garcia 10281. Puerto Rico, Guajataca,
9 August 1968 (EEA).
07 Martorell et al. sn. Puerto Rico, Guajataca Gorge, 18 May 1954
(EEA).
08 Little, E.L., R.O. Woodbury, and F.H. Wadsworth. 1974. Trees of
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. USDA Forest Service Handbook
449.
09 Woodbury, R.O. 1975. The rare and endangered plants of Puerto
Rico. USDA, Soil Conservation Service and PR Dept. of Natural
Resources. 85 pp.
10 Wydler, H. 1830. Plantarum quarundam descriptiones. Linnea
5:423-425.
11 Ayensu, E. and R. DeFillips. 1978. Endangered and threatened
plants of the United States. Smithsonian Institute and World
Wildlife Fund, Inc., Washington, D.C. 403 pp.
12 Vivaldi, J.L. 1986. Personal communication. Department of
Natural Resources, Box 5887, Pueta de Tierra, PR 00906.
13 Woodbury, R.O. 1981. Personal communication. 3665 E Southwest
Quail Meadow Trail, Palm City, FL 33490.
14 D'Arcy, W. Personal communication. Missouri Botanical Garden,
Box 229, St. Louis, MO 63166.
15 Diaz-Soltero, H. April 10, 1986. Personal communication. 1904
Parque de las Fuentes, Hato Rey, PR 00918.
16 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1984. Proposed Endangered Status
for Goetzea elegans (Beautiful Goetzea). June 18, 1984. Federal
Register 49(118):24903-24906.
17 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. Final Rule to Determine
Goetzea elegans (Beautiful Goetzea) as an Endangered Species.
April 19,1985. Federal Register 50:15564-15567.
18 Bender, M. and D. Henne, eds. 1985. Endangered Species Technical
Bulletin, FWS Endangered Species Program, Wash., D.C. 20240.
Vol. X, No. 5.
19 Vivaldi, J.L. August 6, 1984. Personal communication. Department
of Natural Resources, Box 5887, Pueta de Tierra, PR 00906. [Letter
to USFWS, Caribbean Isl. Field Office.]
20 Vivaldi, J.L. June 25, 1984. Personal communication. Department
of Natural Resources, Box 5887, Pueta de Tierra, PR 00906. [Letter
References - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species GOETZEA, BEAUTIFUL
Species Id ESIS704007
Date 13 MAR 96
to USFWS/OES.]
21 Puerto Rico Dept. of Nat. Resour. 1983. Amendment to the
Dept. of Nat. Resour. Organic Law, Law #31, Sept. 29, 1983.
22 Puerto Rice Dept. of Nat. Resour. 1985. Regulation to Govern the
Management of Threatened and Endangered Species in the Commonwealth
of Puerto Rico. 28 August 1985.
23 Wydler sn. Puerto Rico, "in sylvis primaevis et in sepibus
Bromelia Karatas", 1827.
24 Vivaldi, Jose L. 1984. Personal communication. April 10, 1984.
Department of Natural Resources, Box 5887, Pueta de Tierra, PR
00906.
25 Ewel, J.J. and J.L. Whitmore. 1973. The ecological life zones of
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. USDA Forest Service Research
Paper No. ITF-18. 72 pp.
26 Beard, J.S. 1944. Climax vegetation in tropical America. Ecology
25:127-158.
27 Beard, J.S. 1955. The classification of tropical American
vegetation types. Ecology 36:89-100.
28 Chinea, J.D. 1980. The forest vegetation of the limestone hills
of northern Puerto Rico. Masters Thesis, Cornell University,
Ithaca, NY.
29 Pico, R. 1974. The geography of Puerto Rico. Aldine Publishing
Co.
30 Bates, C.Z. 1929. Efectos del huracan del 13 de Septiembre de
1928 en distintos arboles. Univ. de Puerto Rico, Rev. de Agric.
23:113-117.
31 Monroe, W.H. 1976. The Karst landforms of Puerto Rico. U.S.
Geological Survey Prof. Paper 899:1-69.
32 Briggs, R.P. 1966. The blanket sands of northern Puerto Rico.
Jamaica Geol. Survey Publ. 95:60-69.
33 Roberts, R.C. et al. 1942. Soil Survey of Puerto Rico. USDA
Soil Survey Reports Ser. 1936, No. 8.
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 Vivaldi, J.L., R.O. Woodbury and H. Diaz-Soltero. 1981. Status
report on Goetzea elegans Wydler. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Region 4, Office of Endangered Species. 48 pp.
02 Vivaldi, J.L. June 25, 1984. Personal communication. Department
of Natural Resources, Box 5887, Puerta de Tierra, PR 00906.
[Letter to USFWS/OES.]
03 Bender, M. and D. Henne, eds. 1985. Endangered Species Technical
Bulletin, FWS Endangered Species Program, Wash., D.C. 20240.
Vol. X, No. 5.
04 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1984. Proposed Endangered Status
for Goetzea elegans (Beautiful Goetzea). June 18, 1984. Federal
Register 49(118):24903-24906.
05 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. Final Rule to Determine
Goetzea elegans (Beautiful Goetzea) as an Endangered species.
Federal Register 50:15564-15567.
06 Wydler, H. 1830. Plantarum quarundam descriptiones. Linnea
5:423-425.
References - 2 (DRAFT) - References
Species GOETZEA, BEAUTIFUL
Species Id ESIS704007
Date 13 MAR 96
07 Cintron, B. 1986. Personal communication. Department of Natural
Resources, Box 5887, Puerta de Tierra, PR 00906. [Letter to
USFWS/Caribbean Field Office.]
References - 3