Preventing habitat loss of the endangered cactus Leptocereus grantianus by increasing the wave attenuation capability of seagrass beds and coral reefs
The current flattened conditions of coral reefs and the impaired seagrass meadows across the Island Municipality of Culebra, Puerto Rico, have decreased their capacity to protect the coastline from waves, storm surges, and inundation putting at risk the stability and functionality of coastal plant communities. One of the most susceptible plant species to the increased sea waves erosional forces is the endangered cactus Leptocereus grantianus. This project aims at increasing the probability of population persistence of L. grantianus across the coastline of Culebra by 1) establishing new populations and 2) protecting wild and restored populations from damaging waves by restoring coral reefs and seagrass habitats. The demography of the catctus will be also studied to determine the viability of the populations. This project is funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Service