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Illegal cacti trading is the number one threat to the decline of the species, as the demand for ornamental plants continues to grow.
In February 2020, a huge cactus trafficking bust in Italy led to 1,000 species of rare cacti being seized by authorities.
When you think of wildlife trafficking, animals or animal materials might be the first things that come to mind. However, plants are also under threat, especially the cactus.
Experts estimate that up to a third of the world's cactus population is under threat from possible extinction.
In fact, cacti and succulents are the most trafficked group of plants, followed by rare orchids and more and more carnivorous plants.
Trafficking and selling cacti can be an extremely lucrative business. Some rare species can sell for upwards of US$10,000.
Cacti are hardy plants; they grow in some of the toughest conditions on earth. Ironically, this also makes them susceptible to illegal trade.
Over 30% of the world's nearly 1,500 cactus species are under threat of extinction. And the main culprit for this is irresponsible collection.
Their ability to survive long periods of time without water, light, or soil means they can survive long journeys by post.
The cactus has come a long way. For example, in the 1920s and '30s, the prickly pear was regarded as a pest, quite in contrast to the popularity of the modern-day cactus.
Almost all of the cacti that were discovered had originated in Chile. It was estimated their combined worth on the black market was over US$1.2 million.
The illegal trading of plants is a typically overlooked area. Perhaps the risk isn't taken quite as seriously as with, for example, animals, despite there being serious environmental consequences.
Large varieties of cacti can be hundreds of years old. They are in danger of being over harvested, but their lack of availability also makes them even more valuable and sought-after by those seeking the exclusivity of owning one.
In the US, and many other countries, collecting cacti from public land is prohibited. However, catching people in the act is a different story.
They've also resorted to planting the golden barrel cactus with metal bars through the root ball to make it more difficult to pull out. Although rare, the species is relatively common in the nursery trade.
At the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney, Australia, there has been such an increase in cactus theft in the past 10 years that they have introduced CCTV to deter would-be thieves.
The size of the operation also meant that the case is the largest one of repatriation and reintroduction of trafficked cacti to their native environment.
"Operation Atacama," as the investigation was called, was likely the biggest international cactus seizure in nearly three decades.
The popularity of cacti and succulents has risen with social media, thanks to their aesthetic and minimal care requirements.
The pandemic saw a rise in interest in plant ownership and care. Cacti were in high demand, with some shops struggling to keep certain species in stock.
However, the average hipster's cactus collection is likely to only contain common nursery varieties of cacti. The demand for trafficked species generally lies with specialist collectors.
Specialist collectors tend to be middle-aged or older men, for whom cactus collecting is a more serious hobby. Uniqueness and rarity drive interest in the plants.
These varieties tend to take much longer to grow. Purchasing rare and unique varieties legally can pose challenges for serious collectors.
For example, some varieties of cactus only grow on limestone cliffs of a certain altitude in Mexico, or on one patch of Peru's coast.
When they've been taken, much of the trade of these special species appears in broad daylight. Whether it's in specialist brick-and-mortar stores or online storefronts like Facebook, Etsy, Instagram, or eBay, poachers tend to advertise openly.
Online ads might even carry a disclaimer that the species advertised cannot be traded legally, and that they will not have the necessary permits.
One option is to create a sustainably managed collection of seeds or wild plant cuttings. It's suggested these could be propagated artificially by official greenhouses, to create species for trade.
While experts welcome stronger law enforcement measures, many believe that this alone is not enough to discourage trafficking.
While discussions about reform are underway, the Cactus and Succulent Society of America is using educational talks to steer members away from unscrupulous collection.
Sources: (ABC News) (The New York Times)
See also: The unexpected ways humans are altering the planet
Beautiful cacti are one of the most resilient plants on the planet. What's more, they play an important role in helping combat climate change. Cactus plants absorb carbon dioxide from our atmosphere, assisting with ecological balance. But the bizarre, covert world of cactus trafficking puts this function in jeopardy. Yes, you read that correctly: cactus trafficking.
It's happening, and there are consequences. When cacti are trafficked, it poses a danger to their native ecosystems, and a threat to the survival of endangered species. Many species of cactus plant are unfortunately threatened with extinction, and the devastating ripple effect of their trafficking is felt at the social, economic, and environmental levels where they grow.
Curious? Click on to learn about the strange phenomenon of cactus trafficking.
The hidden world of illegal cactus trafficking
The million-dollar black market you might not know about
LIFESTYLE Plants
Beautiful cacti are one of the most resilient plants on the planet. What's more, they play an important role in helping combat climate change. Cactus plants absorb carbon dioxide from our atmosphere, assisting with ecological balance. But the bizarre, covert world of cactus trafficking puts this function in jeopardy. Yes, you read that correctly: cactus trafficking.
It's happening, and there are consequences. When cacti are trafficked, it poses a danger to their native ecosystems, and a threat to the survival of endangered species. Many species of cactus plant are unfortunately threatened with extinction, and the devastating ripple effect of their trafficking is felt at the social, economic, and environmental levels where they grow.
Curious? Click on to learn about the strange phenomenon of cactus trafficking.