CURRENT ISSUES

Geocarpon minimum discovered in Caddo Parish

Earth-fruit, Geocarpon minimum, an extremely small annual herb with a brief life cycle of about 4 weeks in early spring, has previously been known in Louisiana from 2 sites in Winn Parish. This species, federally-listed as threatened, is restricted to high sodium soils that occur on saline prairies, considered critically imperiled in Louisiana. Saline prairies are known to occur in some of the northwestern parishes of the state, and not all saline prairies support earth-fruit. Recently LA Natural Heritage Program botanist, Chris Reid, identified saline prairie sites in Caddo Parish, LA, and botanical surveys by Michael and Barbara MacRoberts of LSU-S found earth-fruit on one of the prairie openings. This discovery represents a parish record for Caddo, and another opportunity to help conserve the species. Unfortunately the site and the earth-fruit are currently threatened by surface damage and soil erosion caused by off-road vehicles. LDWF is working with the landowner and the local sheriff's office to help stop this threat.

For more information on earth-fruit, view our factsheet on the Threatened and Endangered Species page, and for information of saline prairies, view the section on Chapter 4 of the LDWF Wildlife Action Plan.

Black Bears

Black Bear Returns Home

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

RCW Safe Harbor Program