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Opuntia megasperma var. orientalis is a cactus species endemic to the island of Española. This keystone species serves as a food source for giant tortoises, nesting and feeding structures for birds, and refuge for many other endemic and native species that inhabit the island. Unfortunately, the O. megasperma population was drastically reduced by feral goats, which were introduced to Española two centuries ago. Although the goats were eradicated in 1978, O. megasperma has not been able to recover due to their slow growth (approx. 2 cm per year), natural herbivory by endemic fauna, and the arid climatic conditions of the island. Therefore, this project seeks to contribute to the restoration of the ecological integrity of Española Island through the recovery of the Opuntia megasperma var. orientalis population using innovative and effective restoration strategies.
Principal Investigator
Project Assistant
Project Assistant
Field Assistant
Field Assistant
Figure 18. Map of the population distribution of Opuntia megasperma var. orientalis on the island of Española.
Research questions
These are some of the relevant questions we have of this project: 1) How do we measure the success of the restoration actions of the intervened sites on Española? 2) What is the most cost-effective method (water-saving technology) to restore Española through replantation with Opuntia megasperma.
Ecological restoration on Española island
As part of the results of this project, we expect to answer the following questions: 1) How do we measure the success of the restoration actions of the intervened sites on Española? 2) What is the most cost-effective method (water-saving technology) to restore Española through replantation with Opuntia megasperma.
Keywords: Española, adaptive management, Opuntia megasperma, water saving, ecological restoration, water scarcity, threatened species