According to the first ever global assessment, Cacti are one of the world’s most threatened species, even more as compared to mammals and birds. Cacti are native to arid parts of the Americas and have also been introduced to Africa, Australia and Europe. But as per the new research that 31% are threatened with extinction.

A scientist with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and co-lead author of the Global Cactus Assessment, Barbara Goettsch said that before this work just 160 of the approximately 1,500 cacti had been studied.

She said that now they have got a complete clear picture. She mentioned that cacti have been facing increasing pressure from human activity, such as illegal trade, which was quite higher than previously thought.

Though the harvest of certain plants has been prohibited by an international convention, Goettsch said that many are however prized by collectors.

She added, “They have amazing flowers and they have very unique form. There is a horticultural market outside the country of origin”.

Goettsch mentioned that cacti can be grown legally but illegal trafficking due to the unscrupulous collection of live plants and seeds for horticultural trade and for personal ornamental collections have been threatening more species as compared to the iconic rhinos and elephants.

Besides, they are also threatened by the destruction of habitat due to small livestock and farm operations, quarrying and aquaculture, residential and commercial development.

“Now we have a complete picture,” she said. “And cacti are under increasing pressure from human activity, including illegal trade, which was much greater than we previously thought.”

“Knowing what is affecting each species and where, you can actually plan conservation action,” Goettsch said. “So, for example, you would look at very different things to do in southern Brazil, where most of the threatened species are affected by Eucalyptus plantations, than for Peru, where species are mainly impacted by illegal trade for international markets.”