Concerns for Young Saguaros in Phoenix

Recent observations have raised concerns about the health of saguaros in the Tucson area, with reports of the iconic cacti collapsing in the streets. However, researchers like Peter Breslin from the University of Arizona have found that the mortality rate of older saguaros has not significantly increased. In a survey conducted between 2022 and 2023, Breslin noted that out of approximately 4,000 cacti examined, fewer than 20 had germinated since 2012, indicating a troubling lack of new growth. Saguaros, which can take decades to mature and may not produce flowers until they are 70 years old, are struggling to adapt to rapid environmental changes. Melanie Tluczek, director of science and education at the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, emphasized the importance of saguaros as a keystone species, stating that their decline could have cascading effects on other species that depend on them for survival. The Tohono O’odham Nation, who have lived in the Sonoran Desert for centuries, hold deep cultural ties to the saguaro, viewing them as beings with personhood. Their traditional practices include harvesting saguaro fruit with gratitude, reflecting a profound respect for the plant. Community involvement is seen as crucial for the preservation of this species, with local residents already noting changes in the saguaro lifecycle. Hernandez, a local advocate, stressed the importance of community engagement in conservation efforts, highlighting the need for collective action to protect these vital cacti.