Combatting the illegal cacti trade

With nearly 2,000 species, the cactus family is among the most threatened plant groups on Earth. Habitat destruction, climate change, and illegal trade are driving many species toward extinction. While botanical institutions are vital to plant conservation, opportunities to collaborate across sectors are often overlooked.

In our upcoming IrisBG Coffee Chat, we’re excited to welcome Michiel (Mich) Pillet, a doctoral candidate in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Arizona. Mich is also the Conservation Chair of the Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society and the founder of Prickly Prospects, a conservation-focused nursery promoting ethical propagation of endangered species.

Mich will share insights from his diverse work in research, advocacy, and horticulture—including efforts to combat illegal trade, engage the public, and build resilient, conservation-minded collections.

Please join us for the July IrisBG Coffee Chat, Combating the illegal cacti trade, on Wednesday July 9 at 9 am AEST, to explore how tools like IrisBG can support these efforts and how botanical gardens can become stronger allies in safeguarding vulnerable species.