“Climate Crisis Claims First Florida Species: The Tragic Tale of the Key Largo Tree Cactus”

The Key Largo tree cactus, known scientifically as Pilosocereus millspaughii, has sadly become the first Florida species to locally go extinct due to the climate crisis. This devastating news comes from researchers at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and the Florida Museum of Natural History.

Initially discovered in the United States in 1992 at a single site in the Florida Keys, the Key Largo tree cactus population has been closely monitored over the years. However, despite efforts to protect and preserve the cactus, various environmental factors have led to its decline and eventual extinction.

Factors such as saltwater inundation from rising sea levels, soil depletion caused by high tides and hurricanes, as well as mammal populations consuming the plants, have all contributed to the loss of this unique species. By 2021, the once-thriving population of approximately 150 stems had dwindled to just six unhealthy fragments.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, researchers salvaged the remaining fragments to be cultivated at another location in order to ensure their survival. The loss of the Key Largo tree cactus serves as a warning sign for how other coastal plants may respond to climate change in the future.

The Key Largo tree cactus was initially thought to be a part of an endangered species found elsewhere in the Keys, but further research revealed distinct differences that classified it as a separate species. Despite efforts to conserve and protect the cactus, environmental pressures have taken their toll, leading to its local extinction.

The decline of the Key Largo tree cactus highlights the challenges faced by plant species in the face of a changing climate. Researchers emphasize the importance of conservation efforts and the need to address the various threats that endangered species face in order to prevent further losses.

The loss of the Key Largo tree cactus is a stark reminder of the impact of climate change on our environment and the urgent need for action to protect and preserve our planet’s biodiversity.