After two years of bureaucratic process within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Colorado hookless cactus has officially been removed from the endangered species list, marking a significant milestone in conservation efforts.
The cactus, recognized for its unique straight spines and charming lilac-purple flowers, was first proposed for delisting in 2023 due to encouraging recovery data.
This botanical success reflects ongoing conservation initiatives, with the Denver Botanic Gardens receiving special recognition for their integral role in the plant’s recovery.
One distinguishing feature of the Colorado hookless cactus, aside from its straight spines—an anomaly among cacti—is its notably vibrant blooms.
Plant experts praise the enchanting flowers, especially when witnessed in the wild expanses of the Upper Gunnison and Upper Colorado river basins.
For years, however, threats such as oil and gas development, along with flora poachers targeting the hookless cactus for underhanded sales online, posed significant risks to its population.
Researchers at the Denver Botanic Gardens are celebrating the cactus’s delisting as a testament to their hard work.
Michelle DePrenger-Levin from the Gardens expressed her relief, stating that it’s gratifying to know that this beautiful species will continue to thrive in its natural habitat.
Typically measuring between 2 to 5 centimeters in both width and height, the Colorado hookless cactus can occasionally reach up to 20 centimeters.
DePrenger-Levin described the cactus as either “adorable” or “gorgeous,” attributing its beauty to its remarkable flower display which can total between two to ten blooms at a time.
These flowers are notably time-sensitive, opening only during the sunniest part of the day for several days to attract pollinators, primarily bees.
Originally listed as threatened in 1979, the Colorado hookless cactus has been closely monitored through the Colorado Natural Heritage Program, which tracks threatened species across the state.
Since 2008, researchers from the Denver Botanic Gardens have actively participated in field studies, focusing on population counts and habitat evaluations for the cactus.
Their collaborative efforts with the Bureau of Land Management and other partners have increased the known population size from roughly 20,000 individuals to at least 68,000 in the southern range, alongside identifying a new species with at least 17,000 individuals in the north.
A critical aspect of their research involves observing the cactus through its lifecycle, which includes the painstaking work of preparing tiny cactus seeds for propagation.
The increased population numbers, coupled with the cactus’s resilience during periods of severe drought, have contributed to the decision to delist the species.
According to DePrenger-Levin, understanding both the significant growth in numbers and the cactus’s adaptability has paved the way for positive predictions regarding its future stability.
The Denver Botanic Gardens is not solely focused on the Colorado hookless cactus.
In 2022, there were 15 other plant species in Colorado classified as threatened or endangered, and the gardens are involved in monitoring and conserving these species as well.
The delisting process does not signify an end to oversight.
DePrenger-Levin emphasized that long-term monitoring will continue for the next ten years to ensure the cactus’s populations remain stable or increase.
If the numbers were ever to decline below established thresholds, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would be prompted to review the cactus’s status again, assessing whether relisting is necessary.
This commitment to sustained observation underscores a dedicated strategy to protect not only the hookless cactus but other vulnerable species in the ecosystem.
image source from：coloradosun
