United States

The Key Largo tree cactus, scientifically known as Pilosocereus robinii, has gone extinct. This rare species was native to the Florida Keys and characterised by its slender, columnar stems reaching up to 20 feet (6 metres).

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A Botanical marvel

Characterised by delicate white or pinkish flowers that bloom at night and vibrant red and purple fruits that birds and mammals find appealing, the Key Largo tree cactus was a botanical marvel first discovered in 1992 and monitored intermittently since then.

Impact of rising sea levels

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Sea level rise, rising tides and intense storms collectively led to the extinction of the wild Key Largo tree cactus population at its sole known location in the Florida Keys, USA.

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"Unfortunately, the Key Largo tree cactus may be a bellwether for how other low-lying coastal plants will respond to climate change," stated Jennifer Possley, director of regional conservation at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.

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The extinction of this species marks a significant milestone, becoming the first plant in the United States known to have succumbed primarily to sea-level rise. Experts warn that this loss is a stark indicator of the broader vulnerability of coastal flora to climate change.

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Experts stated that the disappearance of this cactus is not just a local tragedy but a global warning. They emphasised the urgent need to combat climate change and protect vulnerable ecosystems to prevent more species from going extinct.

(With inputs from agencies)