The Joshua Tree: An Iconic American Species on the Brink of Extinction
Matthew Russell
The Joshua Tree, an iconic and beloved symbol of the American Southwest, is in peril.
This unique tree is characterized by its twisted, spiky branches and towering height of up to 40 feet. It is also one of the most threatened species in the United States, facing a range of challenges that are pushing it towards extinction.
Despite mounting evidence of their decline, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently declined to list Joshua trees under the federal Endangered Species Act, leaving the fate of potential protection measures for the spindly plant with newly proposed state legislation. This decision comes after the agency’s second review of the species, which examined both Yucca brevifolia, known as the western Joshua tree, and Yucca jaegeriana, known as the eastern Joshua tree.
Photo: Adobe Stock / frank1crayonThe Joshua Tree is a species of yucca plant native to the southwestern United States.
This decision has been met with outcry from scientists and environmental groups who have long been warning of the species' decline. WildEarth Guardians first asked the federal agency to list the Joshua tree as “threatened” in 2015, but it wasn't until a federal district court judge intervened that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was forced to reconsider. The judge ordered the agency to use “the best available science” on the Joshua trees’ decline in its review, a move welcomed by those who have been fighting to protect the iconic trees.
The western Joshua tree faces a host of threats, primarily from climate change and development. Scientists warn that the tree’s suitable habitat is expected to decline substantially by 2100 due to climate change, particularly in the southern portions of its range, the Desert Sun reports. This means that the Joshua tree may not be able to survive in its namesake park by the end of this century. This looming threat has led to an urgent call for action to protect the species and its habitat.
Photo: Adobe Stock / chonesThe Joshua Tree has cultural and ecological significance to indigenous cultures in the region.
The History of the Joshua Tree in the United States
The Joshua Tree has a long and fascinating history in the United States. According to the National Wildlife Federation, it is named after the biblical figure Joshua, who is said to have raised his arms to the sky in prayer. This distinctive tree has been an important symbol for many indigenous cultures in the region, who have used it for medicinal purposes and as a source of food.
The Joshua Tree was first described by botanist William Trelease in 1895, who noted its unusual shape and the fact that it only grew in specific areas of the southwest. Today, the species is found primarily in the Mojave Desert, which spans parts of California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah.
Photo: Adobe Stock / JMBJoshua Tree National Park is an American national park in southeastern California, in the Mojave Desert.
Threats to the Joshua Tree
Despite its cultural and ecological significance, the Joshua Tree is currently in a state of decline. According to a study published in Ecosphere, the species has declined by as much as 47% over the past century. This decline is largely due to a range of factors, including climate change, habitat loss, and the spread of non-native species.
The primary threat facing the Joshua Tree is climate change. The Mojave Desert is experiencing some of the most extreme effects of climate change, including higher temperatures and reduced precipitation, Iowa State University reports. This is having a direct impact on the Joshua Tree, which is struggling to survive in these changing conditions. In addition, wildfires, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, are also a significant threat to the species.
Photo: Another major threat to the Joshua Tree is habitat loss, Smithsonian Magazine reports. As human populations continue to expand in the region, more and more of the desert is being developed for housing, agriculture, and other purposes. This is reducing the amount of habitat available for the Joshua Tree, and making it harder for the species to survive.
Finally, the spread of non-native species is also a significant threat to the Joshua Tree. Non-native species such as cheatgrass and tamarisk are spreading rapidly throughout the Mojave Desert, crowding out native plant species and making it harder for the Joshua Tree to compete for resources.
Photo: Adobe Stock / William C. BunceThe Joshua Tree has a distinctive appearance with twisted, spiky branches.
The Future of the Joshua Tree
If immediate action is not taken to protect the Joshua Tree, the species could face extinction in the coming decades. In order to prevent this from happening, a number of steps need to be taken.
First and foremost, efforts need to be made to mitigate the effects of climate change. This could include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, developing new technologies to reduce the impact of climate change, and working to protect the areas where the Joshua Tree currently grows.
In addition, efforts need to be made to protect the Joshua Tree's habitat. This could include establishing new protected areas, working with landowners to preserve habitat on private land, and restoring areas that have been damaged by development or other human activities.
Photo: Adobe Stock / billboehemiaIf immediate action is not taken to protect the Joshua Tree, the species could face extinction in the coming decades.
As well, efforts need to be made to control the spread of non-native species. This could include removing invasive species, promoting the growth of native plant species, and educating the public about the importance of preserving native habitats.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service intends to collaborate with the National Park Service, other federal agencies, and the state to guarantee the preservation of these species in the long run.
“Through our scientific assessment, the Service determined that Joshua trees will remain an iconic presence on the landscape into the future. Although the two species do not need the protections of the Endangered Species Act, the Service cares deeply about Joshua trees and their roles in the desert environment,” the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Pacific Southwest Regional Director Paul Souza said in a statement.
Photo: Adobe Stock / trekandphotoThe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently declined to list Joshua trees under the federal Endangered Species Act.
Saving the Joshua Tree
The Joshua Tree is an important symbol of the southwestern United States, and a vital part of the region's ecology. The tree's decline is a cause for concern not only because it represents a significant loss of biodiversity but also because it threatens the cultural and economic value of the Mojave Desert ecosystem.
The challenges facing the species are complex and require a coordinated effort from government agencies, conservation organizations, scientists, and individuals alike.
Photo: Despite the severity of the threats to the Joshua Tree, there is still hope for its survival. However, if we fail to act, we risk losing not only the Joshua Tree but also the countless other species that depend on the Mojave Desert ecosystem. It is up to us to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to experience the unique beauty and diversity of this region, and to do so, we must act now to protect the Joshua Tree and its habitat.
Click below to sign the petition calling for increased protection for this iconic American species!
