Illinois' plants will get a helping hand when three SIUC plant biologists complete a comprehensive database on those in need of conservation.

To collect information about the state's approximately 400 rare plant species, assistant professor Sedonia Sipes, professor David Gibson, and doctoral student Drew Minnis have combed through journal articles, existing databases, and government reports and talked to biologists, land managers, and conservation agents across the state.

Their rare-plant database, scheduled to be finished in 2006, will complement the state's recently completed "Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan," which currently includes information only about vertebrate animals.

As a frame of reference, Sipes, Gibson, and Minnis are using criteria that affect plant population size and growth trends, such as habitat needs and means of pollination, to identify the primary threats to each species. Such threats can range from habitat destruction to invasive competitor species. The three researchers are providing information about management requirements to help conserve these species, and they are spotlighting gaps in knowledge where more research is needed.

The project is being funded by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

--by Marilyn Davis, ed.

Comments: Perspectives Webmaster
Copyright © 2005, Board of Trustees, Southern Illinois University | Privacy Policy