Algorithms predict morbidity and mortality of Saguaro Cacti ( Carnegiea gigantea ) from sunlight exposures

Bark coverages on stem surfaces lead to premature death of saguaro cacti (Carnegiea gigantea). Bark coverages have occurred on surfaces of more than 50 species of tall, long-lived cacti throughout the Americas. This study analyzed data of bark coverages on 12 surfaces of C. gigantea. Among 1,149 saguaro cacti, from four sampling periods over 23 years, data of four independent algorithm programs were used to predict bark coverages and cactus death. On saguaros, bark coverage originates on south-facing surfaces and progresses to north-facing surfaces, prior to cactus death. For this population, bark coverages increased over time and 45% of all cacti were dead by the end of the 23-year study period. Validate Model and WEKA 3.8 predicted bark coverages with over 96% accuracy. Random Forest predicted cactus death with 99.6% accuracy and kNN predicted cactus death with 100% accuracy. Since trough surfaces occur after crest surfaces, trough surfaces were better predictors of bark coverages and cactus death. Cactus death was best predicted (above 99%) with north-right troughs with west-facing surfaces. Taken together, the four machine programs gave complimentary results and predicted (above 99%) both increased bark coverages from south-facing surfaces to north-facing surfaces over time and death of individual cacti over an eight-year period when north-facing right troughs had more than 80% bark coverages.

Automated summary

In this study, the impact of bark coverages on saguaro cacti mortality was analyzed, with various algorithms used to predict and model bark coverages and cactus death. Results showed that bark coverages originated on south-facing surfaces and progressed to north-facing surfaces, ultimately leading to cactus death. The best predictors of cactus death were found to be north-right troughs with west-facing surfaces.