Hi, I’m just getting started at iNaturalist and went searching for any thread pertaining to protecting rare plants, at least in CA. I contribute observations to CalFlora but I decided that it might be helpful to contribute here too. I believe strongly in cross-sharing data where it can be of use to science.
That being said, I must say that there is a huge concern among native plant scientists in California about poaching of succulents and possibly cacti as well. If any of the folks in this thread are California Native Plant Society members, this concern will be familiar to them.
Generally speaking, it is the succulents / cacti that are in danger. Joshua Tree National Park was created to protect desert plants because Minerva Hamilton Hoyt saw an extensive level of poaching and wanted to protect them so she lobbied FDR who designated it a national monument in 1936.
Since then we have treasured and protected our natural resources but there is a substantial uptick in poaching of plants. In at least one case, the perpetrator was caught sending succulents to Asia in a profit-making scheme. And just last night in my first foray into exploring the iNaturalist site, I saw many observations of native succulents that I wish were not visible to the public.
As I said I’m a new member and am looking to share many of my observances with iNaturalist but at this point in time I am reluctant to share cacti or succulents unless that information is obscured. I am aware that I can choose to obscure the location data but read several threads where location data somehow became public later, which made those who were involved uncomfortable with sharing their observances. Perhaps those issues have been resolved…?
I understand there is a feature on iNaturalist to obscure locations of all listed species, but this will not protect many of California’s treasures. For anyone who is not familiar, the California Native Plant Society has a ranking system of plants that are rare or sensitive, even where those plants are not State-listed or Federally-listed. The California Floristic Province is a world biodiversity hotspot which results in a ton of rare species. It is impossible to get them all listed federally or by the state. Nonetheless many plants are extraordinarily rare and we should make all efforts to protect them.
As an example within the last week, 17,000 rare Tiehm’s buckwheat plants in Nevada were intentionally dug up, destroying 40% of the plant’s global population. This plant is being considered for federal listing by the USFWS.
My point is that this is a discussion that I hope we continue to have. It is sad that we have to take extra precautions but I think they are warranted.
Would love to hear feedback from CNPS members as well as the iNaturalist folks.
Thanks for all you do!