Considered the largest living organism on Earth to date, the trembling aspen forest (Pando Aspen) in Utah, USA, is at risk of collapse without supportive measures.
The largest trembling aspen forest in the world is currently located in Fishlake National Forest, Utah, USA. This colossal organism consists of approximately 46,000 genetically identical trees and weighs about 6,000 tons.
The trembling aspen forest, the largest living organism on Earth, is currently at risk of collapse.
A remarkable feature of this organism, which is approximately 14,000 years old, is that all the saplings grow from a single parent tree, forming a community that spans around 43 hectares.
When viewed above ground, the trees appear to be individual living entities. However, underground, all the trees are interconnected, sprouting from the roots of the parent tree.
It is estimated that each individual trembling aspen lives for about 130 years, with roots continually regenerating dead aspens. The trembling aspen regenerates from a type of root that sprouts outward from the tree trunks. In autumn, the leaves turn a striking brick yellow.
However, recent research by Paul Rogers from the University of Utah, published in the journal PLOS One, indicates that this largest trembling aspen forest is at risk of collapse due to human impacts and invasive herbivores such as deer and elk.
The massive trembling aspen population, once thought to be the largest living entity on Earth, appears to be collapsing due to overgrazing. Named Pando, this vast organism is primarily consumed by mule deer and livestock. A study published on September 8 in the journal Conservation Science and Practice suggests that human conservation efforts may inadvertently exacerbate the problem.
Scientists have proposed several solutions to protect this trembling aspen forest, such as using hunters to reduce the population of herbivores and employing natural predators. However, these solutions seem to be met with community disapproval due to potential issues regarding the balance of native wildlife.
Currently, scientists are exploring an alternative solution: fencing. Nevertheless, new research by a team of experts at the University of Utah assesses the effectiveness of this method and finds that fencing may have negative impacts.
Trembling aspen trees in Utah. (Photo: Wikipedia).
According to the research results by scientist Paul Rogers and colleagues, only 16% of Pando is completely fenced. Within that protected area, young trembling aspen shoots can mature and replace dying trees. However, about 50% of the organism lacks fencing, meaning trees are poorly growing in those areas. In the unprotected zones, old trembling aspens die off, creating gaps in the canopy that allow sunlight to reach the forest floor. As a result, the composition of the plant community changes, reshaping the entire ecosystem.
About one-third of Pando was unfenced prior to 2019, the year when fencing was reinforced. Currently, new shoots are gradually maturing, though the impact of recent grazing is still evident. Essentially, Pando is becoming fragmented into three separate areas.
“Fencing seems to lead to unintended consequences, potentially dividing Pando into differentiated ecological areas rather than encouraging the entire forest to thrive. Pando is indeed ‘collapsing’“, the research team concluded. They suggest that temporarily halting livestock grazing and controlling the wild deer population may be necessary to save Pando.
