Cattle ranching, particularly the transformation of desert into pastures of exotic buffel grass (Pennisetum ciliare), has extirpated, or severely reduced many local populations contributing to fragmentation;
Population Trend
Unknown/not recorded
Sub-national Level
Unknown/not recorded
Additional Details (if available)
In Mexico, Carnegiea gigantea is primarily threatened by changes in land use for cattle ranching. In the Unites States, this species is primarily threatened by urbanization. Saguaros are also threatened by collection from the wild, including indiscriminate and illegal trade (Paredes et al. 2000). There is a high demand for Saguaro ribs, the internal woody frame of this cactus species, that leads to over-collection. The species is threatened by competition from the invasive buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare) and from the increased frequency of fires associated with buffelgrass.
Name
Emma Hemmerlé
Scientific Name
Carnegiea gigantea
Common Name(s)
Saguaro
Type of Use
Extractive (i.e., the entire organism or parts of the organism are removed from its environment)
If extractive, for the target species, is this use
Lethal
Does this use involve take/extraction of
The whole entire organism
Details of parts/products taken
Trade in live wild specimens is carried in a small scale, mainly for ornamental purposes. These are usually limited to plants 1-3 m tall. Harvest of dead ribs for commercial purposes has increased since the 1990s.
Are specific characteristics/traits being targeted?
Unknown/not recorded
Purpose of Use
Basic subsistence (meeting day to day essential needs)
Income generation from trade at individual or household or community
Largescale commercial exploitation for trade
Additional Details (if available)
Harvesting of sahuaro “ribs”, the woody skeleton of dead sahuaros has been carried out by native peoples for centuries. Desert people, relied on these materials for construction, crafts, and firewood. Today, there is great demand, mainly in the USA markets for sahuaro ribs to make furniture and constructions in the “southwest style”.
What is the main end use for any living organisms, parts or products taken/extracted?
There is no quota system, but Mexican government authorities have established a moratorium on issuing permits until the sustainable use of ribs is clarified.
Historically there are large discrepancies between the issued permits and the exported quantities reported.
Provide Details of resource rights regime where relevant
As the species is protected in the USA, most stocks of sahuaro ribs have been imported legal and illegally from Mexico.