Future of Joshua Tree Uncertain

It was cool out yesterday as we hiked through Joshua Tree National Park in the high desert. The landscape was dotted with the unique trees, but for how much longer is uncertain. It seems that climate change has been hard on the species for thousands of years, according to a U.S. Geological Survey conducted by Ken Cole.

13,000 years ago lived a huge sloth which loved the flavor of Joshua Trees. The animals would eat the tree, and walk up to 10 miles before “depositing” its remains out in the desert. This provided the Joshua Tree seedlings with ample manure to grow healthy and strong. The sloth died out after the Ice Age, leaving the Joshua Tree seedlings without a ride and without a reliable food source. Unfortunately there are no modern day animals fit to play a similar role for the Joshua Tree.

Remains of these giants sloths were found in Gypsum Cave, 15 miles outside Las Vegas. The dung from the animals was found chock-full of leaves and seeds from Joshua Trees. The dung was so potent that travelers can still smell it within the cave, after 13,000 years.

Today, many desert animals rely on the Joshua Tree for survival. These animals made their home within the trees and drink the water from inside its hollow branches. The health of the desert can be measured by the health of the Joshua Tree.

“It looks from our modeling that Joshua Tree National Park and pretty much the southern half of the range would be too warm in the next 50 to 100 years to support Joshua trees anymore,” Cole said in an interview with NPR.

Climate Change could spell disaster for this species and those that depend on it for survival. It could also spell the end of Joshua Tree National Park, which would lose its main attraction.  Some ecologists don’t think that Climate Change would cause the species to go extinct.

“There’s no question that a warming of the climate would reduce the suitable habitat for Joshua trees in the park — but not eliminate it,” Jim Cornett said in an interview with NPR. Cornett is an independent ecologist who has studied the Joshua Tree for 20 years.

Despite the debate, it would not be a bad idea to check out the Park. There are hikes, 4×4 trails, and some of the best rock climbing in the state. There is wildlife, Cahuilla Indian pictographs, and geological attractions to, including a volcano which never erupted. This is one of my favorite National Parks, as it has something to offer for everyone.