Conserving Texas poppy-mallow (Callirhoë scabriuscula Robins., Malvaceae) while controlling saltcedar: A case study. Amos, Bonnie^*,1, Delmatier, Charmaine^*,2, ¹ Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX² U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Austin, TX

ABSTRACT- Few biological conservation issues equal the challenges of reintroduction and recovery of endangered species. Successful reintroduction of a rare species requires a broad knowledge of taxon life history, ecology, and genetics. In addition, suitable restoration sites must be identified and be available for long-term monitoring and possible manipulation. Even though numerous attempts to protect, create, or enhance wild populations, there are inherent difficulties in plant species recovery (Pavlik 1994). Despite these difficulties, the preservation of biological diversity is instrumental in the recovery of a taxon. One such rare plant, in crucial need of recovery and selected for a current reintroduction project, is the endangered Texas poppy-mallow (Callirhoë scabriuscula). In addition, controlling saltcedar in the same counties as Texas poppy-mallow is a challenge, but careful coordination and teamwork between several partners have allowed both the control of saltcedar and conservation of Texas poppy-mallow to proceed.

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