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The Saguaro Initiatives
Are Saguaros dying in the desert?
The Phoenix Metropolitan area is experiencing unprecedented climate extremes, with prolonged heat waves and record-breaking summer temperatures exceeding 110°F for consecutive days. These extreme conditions pose significant challenges not only to people and their pets but also to the plants that define our urban landscapes—including the saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea), an enduring symbol of the Sonoran Desert and an ecological keystone species.
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Although cacti are often perceived as highly adapted to heat and drought, recent environmental shifts suggest that saguaros may be struggling to survive in urban areas. Reports of saguaro mortality in the Phoenix Valley have increased, drawing media attention and public concern. However, data on saguaro death rates remain anecdotal, with no comprehensive research to determine whether recent losses reflect an alarming trend, natural demographic fluctuations, or a combination of factors.
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The plight of the saguaro reflects a broader crisis for the cactus family (Cactaceae), which includes approximately 1,600 species across the Americas. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), one-third of cacti face extinction, making them one of the most threatened plant groups worldwide. Climate change compounds these risks: projections indicate that up to 60% of cactus species may experience habitat loss, and as many as 90% could be negatively affected when combined with other human-driven pressures. The impact of extreme heat and drought is already evident in Phoenix, where saguaros that once thrived in open spaces—including those within Desert Botanical Garden's collections—are now struggling to survive. Given that climate models predict even harsher conditions across the southwestern U.S., the potential disappearance of saguaros from the Valley underscores the urgent need for conservation and climate adaptation efforts.
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The Saguaro Initiatives
In response to these pressing challenges, we have launched the Saguaro Initiatives, a suite of community science and conservation programs designed to document, protect, and sustain saguaros in an era of climate change. The goal is also to develop and use saguaro as a flagship species to raise awareness of threats to cactus and succulent species.
Our initiatives include:
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Saguaro Census
A large-scale community science effort to track the health and demographics of urban saguaros.
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Saguaro Nursery
A community conservation-focused program to propagate and nurture young saguaros from all different genetic lines for future restoration.
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Saguaro Genetics for Conservation
A scientific study using population genetics and genomics to assess the genetic diversity and climate resilience of saguaros, informing conservation strategies to protect the species in a rapidly changing environment.
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Saguaro Dead Report
A tool for gathering real-time data on saguaro mortality across the Phoenix Valley.
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Saguaro Seed Bank
A long-term strategy to safeguard saguaro genetic diversity and support future replanting efforts.
At the core of the Saguaro Initiatives is a commitment to scientific research, conservation action, and community engagement. By leveraging the cultural significance of saguaros, these projects not only enhance Desert Botanical Garden’s leadership in cactus and agave conservation but also empower the public to play an active role in protecting native biodiversity. Through education, volunteerism, and public participation, the Saguaro Initiatives raise awareness of the rapid effects of climate change while fostering a deeper connection between people and nature in urban spaces.
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How You Can Help
We can't do this alone! Join us by volunteering in the field, at the Garden, or even from home by documenting saguaros in your community. You can also support our efforts through donations, helping us continue vital research and conservation. Every action makes a difference!
