Bristlecone pine  (Pinus longaeva)

The bristlecone pine has an intrinsically low rate of reproduction and regeneration, and it is thought that under present climatic and environmental conditions the rate of regeneration may be insufficient to sustain its population (1). In addition, an introduced fungal disease known as white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola) is believed to affect some individuals. Vandalism is a new threat that these ancients face and the location of ‘Methuselah' is unmarked in order to protect its identity (5).

Bristlecone pines are protected in a number of national parks such as the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in the White Mountains of California and the Great Basin National Park in Nevada (3) (5), where cutting or gathering wood is prohibited (3). The sheer age of these trees, which were seedlings at the time of the pharaohs, inspires awe and protection.