NPS/saguaro national park

Buffelgrass: Wanted Dead and Gone

Saguaro National Park’s iconic species, the saguaro cacti, is severely threatened by the invasion of buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare), a perennial bunchgrass from Africa.  In the last decade, buffelgrass has rapidly spread across southern Arizona and threatens the Sonoran Desert ecosystem, and its plants and wildlife.  Buffelgrass is the greatest non-native species threat the park has ever faced because it competes with native plants for resources, creates dense stands which inhibits native plant growth, and promotes fire in a community dominated by plants and animals (like saguaros and desert tortoises) that are not adapted to fire.  Buffelgrass increases the fuel load and provides a continuous fuel source thereby increasing the frequency and intensity of fire.

Saguaro National Park’s buffelgrass management program has been successful in small areas, but it cannot keep pace with the rapidly expanding population of the grass.  Existing scientific evidence suggests that if buffelgrass is not controlled, it will irrevocably alter the park’s ecosystem and could lead to localized extinction of saguaros.   It is essential that we expand our knowledge base and resources to address this imminent threat.

There are opportunities throughout the year to help with buffelgrass management at Saguaro National Park, as well as other areas in and around Tucson. Activities include mapping buffelgrass infestations, joining monthly buffelgrass pulls, as well as education and outreach events. See our Calendar of Events or contact Bethany Hontz.

Additional Resources: 

Buffelgrass fuel loads in Saguaro NP increase fire danger and threaten native species

University of Arizona Desert Laboratory – Buffelgrass Eradication and Outreach