Pando (tree)

FallPando02

Pando_2021_Official_Picture

Pando is a clonal colony of an individual male quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) determined to be a single living organism by identical genetic markers and one massive underground root system. It is located in the Fishlake National Forest in south-central Utah, United States. Pando is considered one of the oldest and heaviest known living organisms.

Description[edit | edit source]

Pando occupies 43 hectares (106 acres) and is estimated to weigh collectively 6,000,000 kilograms (6,600 short tons), making it the heaviest known organism. The root system of Pando is estimated to be several thousand years old, with some estimates up to 80,000 years, although the individual trees are much younger, typically around 130 years old.

Ecology[edit | edit source]

Pando is a significant part of the local ecosystem, providing habitat and food for various species. The quaking aspen is known for its ability to regenerate through root sprouts, which allows Pando to survive and expand even after disturbances such as fire. However, Pando faces threats from human activities, climate change, and overgrazing by deer and elk.

Conservation[edit | edit source]

Efforts to conserve Pando include fencing to protect it from grazing and research to understand its growth patterns and health. Conservationists are concerned about the decline in new sprout growth, which is essential for the colony's regeneration.

Significance[edit | edit source]

Pando is an important natural wonder due to its size, age, and the insight it provides into clonal plant colonies. It is a popular subject of study for scientists interested in genetics, ecology, and conservation.