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This US island is home to flora found nowhere else. Now, a wildfire threatens extinction
Firefighters are racing to douse flames on California’s Santa Rosa Island as experts express concern for unique habitat
TL;DR
- A wildfire on Santa Rosa Island threatens thousands of Torrey pine trees, some over 250 years old, and six other endemic plant species.
- Firefighters are working to contain the 18,000-acre fire, which has already burned nearly one-third of the island.
- Biologists are concerned about the ability of the island's rare plants to recover from the wildfire, as they may not have evolved adaptations for such events.
- The fire's origin is under investigation, with speculation pointing to flares fired by a stranded sailor.
- While initial drone footage offers cautious optimism for the Torrey pine grove, long-term survival remains uncertain due to potential delayed mortality.
- The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden maintains a seedbank that could be used for restoration efforts if necessary.