NBC Universal. (October 15, 2019) “California Joshua Tree Needs Endangered Species Protection, Conservationists Petition State” Retrieved November 4, 2019

https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Joshua-Trees-endangered-species-563162731.html

Environmentalists in California are currently working to get the Joshua Tree, famous for its spiked leaves, protection under the California Endangered Species Act and recognized within the state as a “threatened” species. The species population has been noticeably shrinking with the increase of habitat destruction from power and pipeline projects as well as the impacts of climate change. With the drier conditions from the California drought and increased temperatures, the Joshua tree saplings are having more difficulty surviving into adulthood. The species have begun to migrate to the more mountainous regions for wetter and cooler conditions however have been unable to successfully colonize with the invasive grass species in the area that cause recurring wildfires. The trees are native to southern California and can be most prominently found in the Mojave Desert and California’s Joshua Tree Park. The groups are still waiting to receive votes on whether or not to include the tree on the threatened species list from the Department of Fish and Wildlife which can take up to three months to consider. 

It’s unfortunate to hear about such a famous California-native species like the Joshua Tree is on the edge of endangerment. As these trees are so populous in the California-Nevada border it is concerning of what impacts from extinction could occur on the ecosystems in those regions. Not only do these trees have a huge ecological impact but also their aesthetic value can be seen at the Joshua Tree National Park that is home to hundreds of other organisms that rely on the species. I think it could be beneficial for the government to take more action towards setting regulations around the infrastructural projects that are responsible for much of the Joshua tree’s habitat fragmentation. There are many similar stories to the Joshua tree telling of groups trying to save species after significant damage has been done to the population however I think it is important for the government to better foresee projects that could endanger threatened species.