All systems are equal: In defense of undervalued ecosystems

Abstract

We introduce the concept of biodiversity potential to assign equal biodiversity value among socially valued and undervalued ecosystems. Widespread greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus) ecosystems were examined as a case study of biodiversity potential of an undervalued ecosystem at the sodic end of soil salinity. Groundwater pumping could drop the water table below greasewood taproots, which could degrade wildlife habitat through decreased canopy cover, increased mineral soil, invasive flammable non-native annual species, and exotic forbs. State-and-transition simulation models and field studies can be used to assess degraded greasewood ecosystems. © 2020 The Author(s)