Mapping Rare Plants on Roadsides
BRIT is partnering with Tarleton State University to create predictive habitat maps of rare species for the Texas Department of Transportation. BRIT is working to better understand the habitat needs and preferences of 17 rare species by examining herbarium specimens and the scientific literature. This information will be mapped to show areas where each of the rare species is most likely to occur. Texas Department of Transportation will use these maps to improve their ability to protect rare species which grow along their roadways. For several of these rare species, roadsides represent a significant portion of the known populations. Conserving them in these locations is critical to the species survival.
Why do rare plants grow on roadsides?
Roadsides, particularly in rural areas, are some of the only land that is not heavily impacted by human use. Periodic mowing serves to prevent the growth of woody vegetation on these roadsides, maintaining the native open prairie vegetation. The lack of cattle allows plants that are particularly tasty to thrive. For sensitive plant species, this native plant oasis is often the ideal habitat!