Climate change is coming for the cactus. Yes, the cactus.
New research shows that a quarter of nearly 1,000 cactus species could lose at least 80 percent of their habitat by 2100, due to relentless droughts.
Cacti, often regarded as symbols of resilience in harsh environments, are facing a new threat: worsening droughts caused by climate change. According to a study published in the journal Nature, over 90% of nearly 1,000 cactus species are projected to lose a significant portion of their habitat by 2100. While cacti are known for their drought-adapted nature, they are not immune to the changing climate conditions.
Researchers found that cacti, like other plants, suffer under stress from both rising temperatures and reduced water availability. The study utilized observations from the citizen science platform iNaturalist, which provided data on cactus populations in the wild. The findings highlight the need for conservation efforts to protect these species, as they face multiple stressors such as habitat loss and poaching.
Some cactus species might adapt by shifting their range to more suitable climates, similar to Arctic plants moving northward. Conservationists emphasize the importance of protecting cactus habitats and implementing measures to stabilize populations, both in botanical gardens and in the wild.
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