Key Largo Tree Cactus Faces Extinction Due to Climate Change

The Key Largo tree cactus, a unique species found in Florida's mangroves, is facing a dire threat from climate change, primarily due to saltwater intrusion caused by rising sea levels and extreme weather events. James Lange, a research botanist at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, highlighted that the influx of saltwater has led to significant soil depletion and stress on the plants, resulting in a dramatic decline in their population. Since 2011, researchers have observed the detrimental effects of king tides and storm surges, which have eroded the habitat and contributed to the cactus's demise. By 2012, half of the Key Largo tree cactus population had perished, with all fleshy parts of the trees lost. In an effort to mitigate the damage, researchers resorted to using kiddie pools to provide freshwater to the struggling mangrove ecosystem. However, by 2021, only six cactus stems remained, indicating that the species is unlikely to survive without intervention. Jennifer Possley, director of regional conservation at Fairchild, noted that the decline of this cactus could serve as a warning for other low-lying coastal plants facing similar threats from climate change. The situation is further complicated by the plight of another endangered species, Pilosocereus robinii, which is also experiencing environmental pressures in the Florida Keys. The rapid decline of the Key Largo tree cactus underscores the potential extinction risks faced by numerous endemic species in the region, with researchers estimating that millions of species could be threatened. The loss of such species often reveals their ecological importance only after they are gone, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation efforts.