The Pando Forest, Utah is one of the largest organisms existing in the world. It looks like a packed aspen tree, as well as a gigantic plant. The Pando Forest is also known as the trembling giant.
In recent times, it has been discovered that the forest is dying because of some factors. Let’s look at all you need to know about the Pando Forest, Utah before we go to why it is dying.
1. About Pando Forest
Pando was gotten from the Latin word which means, “I spread”. The Pando is known to be a vast grove of quaking aspens. The trees found in the group are genetically identical and share the same root system.
Pando was discovered in 1968 and was studied for years before it was called the heaviest and largest organism.
You should know that there are trees that are developed through sexual reproduction or flowering but, this is not the case for the Pando Forest.
These quaking aspens are known to reproduce asexually and are known for their bright yellow color. They do this by germinating new seeds from the extensive root of the main tree.
In other words, the Pando Aspen Clone evolved from a single-parent aspen over hundreds of years by genetically cloning itself.
Pando is estimated to be over a million years old, making it one of the world’s ancient and largest living organisms. One interesting fact is that some trees in the forest are over a hundred years old.
2. Is Pando Dying?
The Pando national forest is said to be in danger because of diseases and climate change. These factors can slow down the spreading of the Pando aspen grove.
You should be aware that mule deer have been primarily blamed for the drop in young stems occurring since the 1980s. Elk and livestock on the move are also potential dangers to Pando.
There are however preventive measures that have been made to help preserve the grove. These measures include fencing the area. Fencing has been one of the most effective measures as it has helped in the regeneration of the grove.
3. Is Pando Shrinking?
While resistant to too many damaging factors, biological and environmental changes still affect aspen groves. They have been impacted by human activities in many ways.
Throughout the past century, developments have threatened the survival of historic groves like Pando.
You should know that during the 70s, the Pando has begun shrinking. Throughout the western United States, human activities have greatly increased along with their noticeable effects on the local ecosystems.
It is interesting to know that in addition to the fencing measures, hunting is being used to lower the local deer population to help save the organisms.
The grove loses its potential to rejuvenate if enough old trees are removed. This dense forest may routinely produce new shoots by supplying its roots with energy from photosynthesis. It runs the risk of rapidly shrinking as it loses leaves and its capacity for photosynthetic activity.
4. How to Protect Pando
The fact that Pando is gradually declining does not mean that it can not be protected. Efforts have already been made to curb this menace. The fencing method will help keep off herbivores from destroying the aspen shoots.
Another alternative is to increase hunting in order to control herbivory. Some researchers have also advocated for reducing the number of animals that graze in the grove.
5. Facts About Pando
Listed below are some of the interesting facts about Pando forest;
1. The Pando Forest is one of the oldest living trees in the Fishlake National Forest in Southern Utah.
2. The name “Pando” originated from a Latin word that means, “I spread”. Some researchers gave it the name.
3. Even the slightest breezes cause quaking aspen leaves to flutter, creating a characteristic rustling sound and letting light penetrate the understory.
4. In fall, the leaves turn to brown gold making it easier to pick out several single clones from a distance.
5. Pando developed stems to sustain its huge, spreading root system after blooming from a single seed the size of a chili grain.
6. It is known to contain over 47,000 trunks of aspen trees.
7. It is believed to weigh 13 million lbs. It is the known heavy organism on Earth.
8. The trunks are known to die off and are replaced with new stems which create straight stems that form new aspen trees
9. The fact that it has a wide range of ages for the stems makes the organism live longer.
10. According to a DNA study, the forest is made up of a single male individual who is connected to all the other trees through a vast root system.
6. Where is Pando Located?
Pando is located in the Fishlake National Forest. It is about one-mile southwest of fish lake located on State Highway.
The green leaves represent the summer cooling effect of arriving at the basin, fluttering leaves. The oranges and yellows of the leaves as they change color in the autumn are a prelude to the Fish Lake Basin’s breathtaking fall display.
There have been visitors across many states and nations who have traveled far and wide just to experience the Pando forest. These visits are usually done in the fall when the leaves are orange and yellow.
7. In the End
Although aspens have the ability to survive disasters, you should know that disasters as a result of a change in the ecosystem can be difficult to tackle.
To be able to understand how ecosystems are responding to human activities, we must continuously monitor them. This will help minimize the damage done.
We hope we’ve been able extensively to educate you on The Pando Forest. Kindly share this information and leave a comment below.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Listed below are the frequently asked questions about The Pando Forest, Utah;
8.1. What Type of Tree is Pando?
The Pando is known to be a quaking aspen with a massive underground root system.
8.2. How Big is Pando?
Pando is about 13 million pounds and spreads across 106 acres. It is known to be the largest tree by weight.
8.3. Is Pando the Oldest Tree?
Pando is believed to be the oldest tree on earth.
Last Updated on by Himani Rawat