CONSERVATION OF CARNIVOROUS PLANTS 



Changes in the earth's natural habitats have decimated populations of carnivo- 

 rous plants in many parts of the world. Overcollecting for the commercial and 

 hobbyist trade has eliminated some types from places where they were once 

 abundant. Drainage, grazing, vegetation clearing, and other changes in land use 

 have also taken their toll. 



Some efforts are being made to grow carnivorous plants in greenhouses and bo- 

 tanical gardens so they can be re-established in areas where they once occurred. 

 Seeds of many types are now being stored to assure that the plants do not disap- 

 pear. In the South, many sites that supported carnivorous plant have been lost 

 because of the absence of the natural fire cycle. Fire benefits most plants and 

 animals native to these habitats. Under primeval conditions, many areas in the 

 South burned frequently. In pitcher plant bogs, most of the plants have their re- 

 newing parts beneath the soil so that resprouting easily occurs after a fire passes 

 through. Without fire, plants from other habitats invade the open bogs, altering the 

 habitat and causing most of the carnivorous plants to disappear. 



Because roads, railroads, ditches, and other human alterations prevent the spread 

 of natural fires started by lightning, and because many fires are extinguished be- 

 fore they can spread, it is necessary to deliberately bum areas in order to maintain 

 them in their natural state. If you see a natural area that has been burned or if you 

 see Forest Service personnel conducting a managed burn, you will know why. 



Carnivorous plants are some of the most unique components of the natural habi- 

 tats in the South. With careful treatment of natural areas, we can preserve these 

 plants for all to see and enjoy as functional parts of natural systems. 



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