The Distribution of Cirio (Fouquieria columnaris) in Baja California, Mexico

Abstract

The cirio (Fouquieria columnaris) is an iconic species of the northern deserts of the Baja California peninsula in Mexico. In response to proposals to harvest cirio for ornamental wood, recent studies have addressed demographic and biogeographic questions concerning the status of this species. Cirio populations measured in the northern part of its range appear to be declining, and the maximum longevity of this species is about 300–400 years. High-resolution mapping shows that the species ranges from 27.48–30.43°N latitude and 112.58–115.59°W longitude, or approximately from southeast of San Quintin in the state of Baja California to Volcan de Las Tres Virgenes in Baja California Sur. The elevation of this species ranges from near sea level on the coast of the Pacific Ocean to 1,480 m in the Sierra de La Asamblea northwest of Bahia de los Angeles and less than 1,460 m in the southern Sierra la Libertad. The climatic conditions where this species grows suggests that it may not be as threatened by climate changes as other endemic species more closely tied to specific climatic characteristics.