Using herbarium collections and species observation databases to assess the conservation status of prairie dropseed in Minnesota

Abstract

Efficient and effective plant conservation depends on the ability to identify wild populations for in situ and ex situ conservation; however, accessible, up-to-date information about the status of wild populations is often lacking. We examined 2 databases containing current and historical records of Minnesota occurrences of a North American native prairie indicator species, prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis (A. Gray) A. Gray [Poaceae]). We found prairie dropseed most commonly occurs in southern dry prairie and makes up less than 5% of species cover, despite being an indicator species for this habitat type. We demonstrate the current status of prairie dropseed in Minnesota using geographic information systems and databases and argue that this technology is critical for informing plant conservation efforts.