Rising sea levels are causing the extinction of cacti in the United States and raising concerns among experts.

he Key Largo Cactus Pilosocereus millspaughii has been declared locally extinct in United StateThis disappearance is affected by. sea ​​level riseThis represents a first as the first species in the region was eradicated for this reason, as documented. In a published study In the Journal of the Texas Plant Research Institute.

Jennifer BosleyRegional Conservation Manager at Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden The study’s lead author highlighted the seriousness of the situation by suggesting that this cactus may be a precursor to how other coastal plants will respond to climate change. “Unfortunately, the Key Largo cactus may be an indicator of how other low-lying coastal plants will respond to climate change.”Bosley noted. Local extinction has been confirmed in 2021 After recovering the last diseased parts for off-site transplantation.

The cactus, known for its majestic stems that can reach more than seven metres in height and its cream-coloured flowers, was first found in Florida Keys In 1992, Alan Frank, director of the herbarium collection at the Florida Museum of Natural History, confirmed that 2019 That this population was the only one of them Pelusocereus millespogii In the United States.The most noticeable difference is the tuft of long woolly hair at the base of the flowers and fruits.Frank confirmed.

According to experts, there are several reasons for the disappearance of this plant. Among the most important are: Climate changeto intervene salty water And herbivores that accelerated this process. James Lang, The researcher at the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden said:It was one of the things that made the keys so special.“. Lang recalls with regret the moment when he decided to remove the last parts of the plant: “We knew there was no long-term hope for these people in this area.“

Furthermore, Marcelo Ardon, a scientist at North Carolina State University, said:Climate change exacerbates all of these factors, making these populations more vulnerable.“

impact sea ​​level rise It’s not just the Key Largo cactus. Other species in the Florida Keys face similar threats, such as Great Pine Partridge And the jumping thorny apple.Investigations in Center for Biodiversity Warning of the risks faced by other species such as: Home Deerthe stupid turtle And the Delmarva fox squirrel.

At the global level, Climate change It has already wiped out many species. It is estimated that if emissions continue on the current path, nearly one in three animal and plant species could become extinct. 2070“The plant physiologist Louis Ziska explained:It’s such a beautiful and inspiring plant. That’s why when you see it disappear, you feel a sense of loss, almost mourning.“

For experts like Frank and Lang, the disappearance of Key Largo Cactus Highlights the urgent need to implement strong measures to mitigate climate change. The scientific community has stressed the need to protect vulnerable ecosystems to avoid further local extinctions.