User:Mangodulce/Joshua Tree National Park

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Under Climate I added: Joshua Tree is becoming hotter and dier due to climate change. From 1895 to 2016 the annual precipitation has dropped by 39% and the annual temperature has increased by 3°F.

Under mojave desert:

Edited this sentence-- From: The bigger problem, though, seems to be invasive species, such as cheatgrass and red brome, which during wetter periods fills in below and among the pines and oak. In drier times, they die back, but do not quickly decompose.

To: Invasive plants, such as cheat grass and red brome, contribute to the worsening of wildfires. During wetter periods fills in below and among the pines and oak. In drier times, they die back, but do not quickly decompose.

There are fewer Joshua tree seedlings surviving in the park. It is forecasted by 2099, under high emission scenario, that the park will increase in temperature by 8° F. This is would make most of the national park unsuitable for Joshua tree growth. Under the low emission scenario, 80% of suitable Joshua tree habitat could be lost

The desert tortoise population has decreased due to habitat loss and climate change. Lizards in the park are also at risk. Bird species have declined 43% according to studies conducted in 1908-1968 and 2013-2016.

added invasive species sections

Invasive Species

Invasive plants, such as cheat grass and red brome, contribute to the worsening of wildfires. During wetter periods fills in below and among the pines and oak. In drier times, they die back, but do not quickly decompose. This makes wildfires hotter and more destructive, which kills some of the trees that would have otherwise survived. When the area regenerates, these non-native grasses form a thick layer of turf that makes getting a roothold harder for the pine and oak seedlings.

Fountain grass was introduced to the park in the 1990s. This grass competes with native grasses for water and nutrients.