Florida's Key Largo tree cactus experiences first local extinction due to rising sea levels.

Florida has experienced its first local extinction of a species due to rising sea levels, with the loss of the Key Largo tree cactus population. The rare species faced challenges such as saltwater intrusion, soil depletion from hurricanes, and herbivory by mammals, causing its decline. Researchers have salvaged the remaining six fragments for off-site cultivation to ensure their survival, and the Key Largo tree cactus may serve as an indication of how other low-lying coastal plants may respond to climate change.

July 09, 2024
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