Rare cactus species face extinction

The nutritional value of one cactus stem of Opuntia ficus- indica — a ‘ prickly pear’ cactus popular in Mexico, where it is known as nopal — is often compared to that of a beef steak, and the roots of species such as Ariocarpus kotschoubeyanus, listed as near threatened, are used as anti- inflammatories kotschoubeyanus which is listed as near threatened, are used as anti- inflammatories.

They are also a source of food and water for many species including deer, woodrats, rabbits, coyotes, turkeys, quails, lizards and tortoises, all of which help with cactus seed dispersal in return. Cactus flowers provide nectar to hummingbirds and bats, as well as bees, moths and other insects, which, in turn, pollinate the plants.

Trade in cactus species occurs at national and international levels and is often illegal, with 86 per cent of threatened cacti used in horticulture taken from wild populations. European and Asian collectors are the biggest contributors to the illegal cactus trade. Specimens taken from the wild are particularly sought after due to their rarity. “The results of this assessment come as a shock to us,” said Barbara Goettsch, lead author of the study and Co- Chair of IUCN’s Cactus and Succulent Plant Specialist Group. “We did not expect cacti to be so highly threatened. Their loss could have far- reaching consequences for the diversity and ecology of arid lands and for local communities dependent on wild- harvested fruit and stems,” she said.

Ms Goettsch added that with the current human population growth, these plants cannot sustain such high levels of collection and habitat loss and thus there is a need for better and more sustainable management of cactus populations across countries.