The Role of Botanical Gardens in the Conservation of Cactaceae

The family Cactaceae contains some of the most iconic species of succulent plants, many of which are valued for their cultural, economic, and ecological value. However, over 75% of all species of cacti are in decline, largely because of the effects global environmental changes (GEC), including climate change. Mitigating the impacts of GEC on cacti will require a coordinated effort that combines conservation, research, and education. Botanical gardens are uniquely positioned to lead such an effort because their living collections and programs focus on conservation and research. A coordinated network of botanical gardens-with living collections serving as experimental gardens-could become a crucial hub for studying the impacts of climate change on cacti. A network of botanical gardens could open previously untapped funding avenues to support the research, education, and conservation of cacti and provide resources for underfunded botanical gardens in Latin America.