Collecting Data on Rare Plants to Address the Global Biodiversity Crisis

Our research scientists collect a lot of data every summer—and this work can be challenging. From our work in the field, we’ve learned to come prepared to clear one road that is invariably blocked by downed trees. Then there are the hours we spend on our hands and knees keenly searching for and measuring hundreds of individual rare plants. In small plots at study sites throughout each species’ range, we mark every individual and track their fate year after year.  

This annual data allows us to correlate climate variables to survival and reproduction. We can then estimate the population’s risk of extinction. In addition to the annual demographic monitoring, we are developing methods to efficiently and effectively estimate the total population size of rare plants. Population counts help us estimate the level of genetic diversity within a population. A sufficiently large population can potentially adapt to climate, habitat and plant community changes. Our data serves to address global challenges. An estimated one million species face extinction worldwide. There is a need to prioritize species and put resources to those most at risk. Tools like the U.S. Endangered Species Act and the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List rely on population counts and predictions of risk.  

While we annually collect data all over Colorado on six rare species, all of these help improve and promote effective data collection methods. We are chipping away at the biodiversity crisis by collaborating and sharing expertise with federal and private conservation partners. Our efforts are extended through our participation in the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation.  

The task may be daunting, but I look forward to clearing the way to collect meaningful and impactful data for years to come.