The Race To Rescue The Guadalupe Fescue

Big Bend National Park hosts a diverse array of habitats including desert, mountains, and river ecosystems. Within the Chisos Mountains, cooler forest regions with pinyon pines, junipers, and the endangered Guadalupe fescue are found. These mountains form a critical part of the park.

The Chisos Mountains ascend approximately 6,000 feet above the Chihuahuan Desert. This elevation creates ‘sky islands’ that are somewhat isolated from surrounding ecosystems, offering unique but threatened habitats. These areas in Big Bend National Park, near the Texas-Mexico border, are where the only known populations of Guadalupe fescue in the U.S. exist. Their isolation has likely played a role in their survival so far.

Climate change poses a risk to species relying on these ‘sky island’ habitats. These plants and animals may face challenges as they are forced to higher elevations, eventually reaching the limits of their habitat. Carolyn Whiting, a park botanist at Big Bend, has monitored the Guadalupe fescue for years. She discusses Big Bend’s uniqueness and underscores the importance of preserving small species.

The Guadalupe fescue in Big Bend National Park was classified as endangered in 2017. This species faces challenges from environmental changes affecting its limited habitat. Researchers continue to study and protect this bunchgrass to ensure its survival.

This report is part of a series exploring research conducted across U.S. public lands. For more updates, follow NPR’s Short Wave on Twitter @NPRShortWave or email at [email protected].

The episode was produced by Rebecca Ramirez and edited by Gabriel Spitzer. Fact-checking was handled by Rebecca, Brit Hanson, and Gisele Grayson. Natasha Branch served as the audio engineer.