Biological Expedition to Guadalupe and Cedros Islands, Mexico

May 12–24, 2001

Accomplishments

Celerino Montes collects cones from a majestic tree (No. 94) in the fog on Guadalupe Island while David Bates pauses briefly before proceeding to the next tree. Individual trees on Guadalupe are scattered sparsely along the ridgetops, often separated by great distances. Photo credit: A. Colin Matheson, CSIRO, Canberra, Australia

• Secured seed collections from approximately 80 Monterey pines on Guadalupe Island for conservation, restoration, and research purposes.
• Secured seed collections from approximately 100 Monterey pines on Cedros Island for conservation and research purposes. (The cones from both collections now reside at the national forest tree facility at Ensenada, Mexico.)
• Accompanying scientist (Tadashi Moody, UCB) cored pines for use in dendrochronology studies.
• Developed descriptions (individual tree and stand level) of the populations of Monterey pine on these two islands that can serve to inform conservation, restoration, and research efforts.
• Checked Monterey pines on both islands for pitch canker infection (and other diseases and insect infestations). No obvious symptoms of pitch canker were noticed. Some tissue samples were taken for laboratory verification.
• Mapped the sampled trees to inform subsequent research and to allow appropriate planting coordinates for seedlings if restoration efforts prove necessary.
• Completed the most comprehensive census and health status survey to date on the Monterey pines on Guadalupe Island.
• Discussed our project and its rationale with local and resident parties (i.e., Mexican navy representatives and ranchers on Guadalupe Island and fishermen on both islands) and communicated the value of these local populations of Monterey pine and why it is desirable to conserve them.
• Provided information to the island restoration organization ‘Island Conservation’ on Guadalupe Island pine locations and conditions and provided recommendations for fencing priorities.
• Developed and deepened relationships among the American, Mexican, Australian, and Canadian participants that will continue to serve conservation efforts for these islands.
• Heightened awareness of the urgency of conservation efforts on these islands and increased their profile.

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