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They re among the oldest living things in the world. The climate crisis is killing them
21 minutes to read
By: John Branch
California s redwoods, sequoias and Joshua trees define the American West and nature s resilience through the ages. Wildfires this year were their deadliest test. They are what scientists call charismatic megaflora, and there are few trees anywhere more charismatic than the three most famous species in California. People travel from around the world simply to walk among them in wonderment.
The giant sequoia. The Joshua tree. The coast redwood.
They are the three plant species in California with national parks set aside in their name, for their honour and protection.
After Drought And Wildfires, California’s Giant Sequoias Face A New Enemy: Bark Beetles Listen Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
The Homers Nose Grove of giant sequoias, seen here from a helicopter, was burnt by the SQF Complex fire. The National Park Service thinks around 300 monarch sequoias burned on NPS land, but the number is likely higher.
Tony Caprio, Fire Ecologist for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
When ash began landing in Nate Stephenson’s yard 30 miles west of a fire burning in Sequoia National Park this summer, he knew the trees he’s studied for four decades were in trouble.