A proposal for conservation of exemplary stands of the giant cardon cactus(Pachycereus pringlei [S. Wats] Britt. & Rose) in Baja California Sur, Mexico

Four sites in the state of Baja California Sur, Mexico, support superb stan ds of the giant columnar cardon cactus (Pachycereus pringlei [S. Wats] Brit t. & Rose). Giant cardon is not an endangered species in the region, but ex emplary stands are rare and increasingly threatened by intensive agricultur e and cattle ranching. We have identified four stands of cardon worthy of n ational protection. Three of the sites are located in the District of Lorer o, and one is in the District of La Paz. The massive specimens of cardon th at grow on these sites are unusually vigorous and healthy. The sites themse lves are extremely scenic and accessible by tourists, are suitable for scie ntific study, and represent perhaps the best repositories of wild germplasm for the species. We recommend that these exceptional representatives of Me xico's national natural heritage be protected for future generations, as ha s been done in Arizona and California (USA) for saguaro cactus (Carnigea gi gantea [Engelm] Britt. & Rose) and Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia Engelm.).