Rare Joshua Trees Suffer from Massive Wildfires in California, Nevada

The latest report showed that the raging wildfires in California and Southern Nevada burned the rare Joshua Trees in the Mojave Desert.

Firefighters have been working around the clock to extinguish the fire that emerged in California and Southern Nevada.

Nature World News (NWN) reported the massive wildfires burned over 80,000 acres in the affected areas.

The dry conditions and erratic winds helped to unleash the deadly wildfire in the region. Deadly fire whirls were also reported in the area.

Rare Joshua Trees damaged in fires in California and Southern Nevada

(Photo : by DAVID SWANSON/AFP via Getty Images)
Mojave National Preserve on July 30, 2023. The massive wildfires burned the rare Joshua trees as fires devastated the Mojave Desert in California and Southern Nevada. Joshua trees are important for food and shelter for birds and mammals in the affected areas.  

The Associated Press (AP) and CNN reported that the massive wildfires devastated the unique and rare Joshua tree. The vegetation and forests in the area also suffered from the raging fires.

Mojave National Preserve is considered a significant place for conservation and biodiversity, with many plants and species are located there.

The Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) could have lived for more than 150 years. However, the recent fires caused a devastating impact on their numbers.

According to CNN, Laura Cunningham explained that the mature rare trees would take a lifetime to return. Cunningham serves as the Western Watersheds Project director in California.

Meanwhile, the National Park Service (NPS) explained that the Joshua trees are known for their tough leaves and flower buds.

Unlike other trees, the Joshua trees require timely rain to thrive.

Furthermore, the NPS added that the Joshua trees are essential to biodiversity and species, especially for birds, insects and mammals. It serves as a shelter and food source.

Also Read: Largest Cactuses in US Die from Extreme, Record-breaking Heatwaves

Impact of wildfires on ecosystems

Recently, NWN reported the impact of wildfires on Greece's wildlife and ecosystems. The report showed that raging fires could have a long-term effect on animals, making it more challenging for them to survive.

Species are sensitive to their environments. In Northern Australia, the endangered Purple-Crowned Fairy-Wrens survival is at risk due to wildfires.

Based on the research published in the Journal of Applied Ecology and The Conversation, drought conditions and fires could harm the habitat and population of Purple-Crowned Fairy-Wrens.

The riparian birds could suffer from breeding failure. As a result, the report highlighted the importance of urgently protecting riparian habitats from fire threats.

In California, a recent report from Associated Press (AP) said the critical contribution of beavers as natural engineers in addressing water problems and wildfires.

California planned to preserve the population of beavers. From formerly nuisances, beavers are now seen as vital to nature restoration programs.

Also Read: July As Hottest Month: Intense Global Heatwaves To Bring Health Risks

Did you know?

According to the NPS report, the tallest Joshua trees measure more than 40 feet high in the desert. While the report emphasized that Joshua could exist up to 150 years, the researchers noted some older trees could likely be older.

Related Article: Purple-Crowned Fairy-Wrens Survival Endangered Due to Wildfires in Northern Australia

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