In a significant event highlighting the urgent issue of biodiversity loss, a collection of rare cacti has been rescued from illegal trade at Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport in France. These unique specimens, including the Lophophora cactus known for its hallucinogenic properties, were discovered by customs officials trained in plant identification.
The cacti, originating from harsh environments in Mexico and Madagascar, were found in a severely weakened state after being smuggled. They were transferred to the National Museum of Natural History in Paris, and later to the Jean-Marie Pelt Botanical Garden in Nancy, where they are being rehabilitated under careful observation.
According to the latest report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the illegal trade of rare plants is on the rise, with approximately 140,000 seizures recorded globally from 2015 to 2021. This alarming trend poses a significant threat to biodiversity, as many plants are now endangered due to poaching and habitat loss.
Frederic Pautz, curator of the botanical gardens, emphasized that the illegal market is lucrative, with collectors willing to pay thousands of euros for rare species. The situation is particularly dire in Madagascar, where rampant poaching is leading to the rapid decline of native flora.
As these rare cacti begin their long recovery process, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against wildlife trafficking and the urgent need for global action to protect vulnerable species.