Botanist Pablo Guerrero is combating cactus poaching in the Atacama Desert, threatened by climate change, mining, and illegal plant collection. His research aims to conserve the unique ecosystem.
The article discusses the efforts of botanist Pablo Guerrero to track and conserve the cacti of the Atacama Desert, which are threatened by climate change, mining, and illegal plant collection.
Threats to Cactus Populations
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Climate change is causing the desert to get hotter and drier, leading to the disappearance of fog in some areas.
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Many cactus species live in only a few square kilometers, making them vulnerable to disturbances.
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Poaching and trade are significant factors contributing to the increased extinction risk for cacti.
Research Findings
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A 2015 assessment found that 28% of Copiapoa species and subspecies were critically endangered or endangered.
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Guerrero\u0027s research using new evolutionary histories, careful mapping, and outside experts reclassified the extinction risk, finding that 76% of all Copiapoa species and subspecies are critically endangered or endangered.
Conservation Efforts
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Guerrero is researching what keeps cacti alive in the desert and collaborating on state and international efforts to document poaching.
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He recommends creating new conservation areas with high biodiversity and training park rangers to identify rare cacti.
- sciencenews.org | Meet a scientist tracking cactus poaching in the Atacama Desert
- strategian.com | Meet a scientist tracking cactus poaching in the Atacama Desert ...
