San Diego River Shot Hole Borer Study- Vegetation Data Collected August through September 2023

Start Date

2023-08-15

End Date

2023-09-14

Kus, B.E., and Mendia, S.M., 2023, San Diego River shot hole borer study (ver. 2.0, August 2024): U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P91VWCIT.

The goals of this study were to: 1) assess the damage of shot hole borer infestation on vegetation at the San Diego River, 2) provide follow-up infestation data on habitat composition and structure at the San Diego River three years after the baseline survey, 3) determine whether trees in wet areas were more vulnerable to infestation than in dry areas; and 4) determine whether trees in nutrient-enriched areas were more vulnerable than in unenriched areas. We used these data to assess the effects of shot hole borer infestation on vireo population size and distribution of the endangered Least Bell’s Vireo (Vireo belli pusillus). These data were meant to inform natural resource managers about the status of the infestation and potential effects on vireos at the San Diego River and guide management practices as appropriate to reduce the effect of the infestation on this endangered species.

• USGS Western Ecological Research Center

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