World’s Largest Organism Struggles Due To Overgrazing of Deer, Elk

The largest organism is under threat due to deer and elk and some diseases that hit it.

Pando - The Largest Organism

On the slopes above a spring-fed lake in the Wasatch Mountains of the western US, there lives a single enormous organism that sustains a whole ecosystem on which plants and animals have depended for thousands of years. The organism is called "Pando," a 106-acre stand of quaking aspen clones that may be found in Utah, according to The Conversation.

Pando (Latin for "I spread") is 47,000 genetically identical stems from an interconnected root network. It looks like a woodland of individual trees with striking white bark and small leaves that flutter in the slightest breeze.

The single genetic weighs around 6,000 metric tons and is considered the largest organism on Earth by mass.

Although aspen trees often grow in clonal stands elsewhere, Pando is unique because of its vast size. In North America, clonal aspen stands tend to be substantially smaller, with western US stands averaging only 3 acres.

Despite the fact that the majority of stems only live for about 130 years, pando has existed for thousands of years-possibly up to 14,000 years. Due to its age and isolation, an entire ecosystem with 68 plant species and several animals has developed and thrived under its shade.

The aspen's continued health and stability are essential to this ecosystem. However, while being protected by the US National Forest Service and not at risk of being felled, Pando is in danger of going extinct. The number of growing trees has declined due to several other issues.

Factors That Threat Pando

According to the report, deer and elk are overgrazing and eating the youngest trees. Wolves and cougars were used to keep the numbers of deer and elk in check. However, the herds have grown due to the absence of predators.

Deer and elk also flock in Pando due to the protection in the woodland, which also keeps them away from being hunted there. However, while they thrive, Pando is declining.

When older trees die or fall over, light reaches the forest floor and stimulates the growth of new clonal stems. But, when these animals consume the freshly formed stems' crowns, they perish. This indicates that there is not much fresh growth in most of Pando.

There are plans to use both permanent and temporary fencing around the tree to encourage a lengthy period of regeneration that will restore the tree's natural balance. Once this regeneration has occurred, fencing would no longer be necessary, but new strategies for wildlife management are currently being researched, according to Friends of Pando.

Aside from deer and elk overgrazing, Pando also suffers from diseases. There are three diseases identified - Sooty Bark Canker, Leaf Spot, and a Conk fungal infection.

The diseases are well-known and generally understood, but the extent of infection across the tree and root system is unclear. They still could not explain if the conditions strangled the tree or destroyed the roots.

They are also still looking for answers if the disease plays a positive or negative role in Pando's regenerating ability.

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