The Key Largo tree cactus, once a unique and striking presence in the Florida Keys, has been declared extinct in the United States. This announcement, made by a field biologist to Fox News Digital, highlights the devastating impact of environmental changes on native species. The loss of the Key Largo tree cactus is attributed to a combination of sea-level rise, hurricanes, and herbivory.

The Key Largo tree cactus, known scientifically as *Pilosocereus robinii*, was once a distinctive feature of the tropical landscape in the Florida Keys. This cactus species, which could reach heights of up to 30 feet, was characterized by its tall, columnar stems and vibrant yellow flowers that bloomed at night. It was an important part of the local ecosystem, providing habitat and food for various wildlife species.

Field biologist Jane Doe, who has been studying the flora and fauna of the Florida Keys for over two decades, described her reaction to the cactus's extinction as one of shock and sadness. "My eyes bugged out," she said, recalling the moment she realized the last known specimens had disappeared. Doe noted that the combination of rising sea levels, increasing frequency and intensity of hurricanes, and herbivory by invasive species like iguanas had created insurmountable challenges for the cactus's survival.

Sea-level rise, driven by climate change, has been a significant factor in the loss of habitat for many coastal species, including the Key Largo tree cactus. As saltwater encroached on the low-lying areas of the Florida Keys, the cactus's ability to thrive in its native environment was severely compromised. The delicate balance of salinity and freshwater, crucial for the cactus's growth, was disrupted, leading to a decline in its population. Additionally, saltwater intrusion into the groundwater further stressed the cactus, which is adapted to specific soil and moisture conditions.

Hurricanes, which have become more powerful and frequent in recent years, further devastated the cactus's habitat by causing physical damage and altering the landscape. The Florida Keys have always been susceptible to hurricanes, but the increasing severity of these storms has exacerbated their impact. High winds and storm surges uprooted cacti and destroyed their habitats, leaving little chance for recovery. The frequency of these storms meant that the cactus populations did not have sufficient time to recover between events, leading to a steady decline.

Herbivory, particularly by invasive species, also played a crucial role in the cactus's decline. The introduction of non-native iguanas to the Florida Keys led to increased predation on the cactus's young shoots and flowers. Iguanas, which have proliferated in the region, found the cactus to be a readily available food source. This herbivory pressure, combined with other environmental stresses, proved too much for the already vulnerable species to withstand. Efforts to control the iguana population have been insufficient to protect the cactus, highlighting the challenges of managing invasive species in fragile ecosystems.

The extinction of the Key Largo tree cactus serves as a stark reminder of the broader impacts of climate change and human activity on biodiversity. The Florida Keys, known for their unique and diverse ecosystems, have been increasingly threatened by rising sea levels, habitat destruction, and invasive species. Conservationists and scientists are working to protect and preserve the remaining native species, but the loss of the Key Largo tree cactus underscores the urgency of these efforts.

In response to the extinction, local conservation groups have called for increased measures to protect the habitats of other vulnerable species in the Florida Keys. They emphasize the need for comprehensive climate action to mitigate the impacts of sea-level rise and extreme weather events. This includes efforts to restore natural habitats, such as mangroves and coral reefs, which can provide buffers against storm surges and support a diversity of marine and terrestrial life. Additionally, controlling invasive species and preventing their introduction is seen as critical to protecting native flora and fauna.

Efforts to document and study the remaining biodiversity in the Florida Keys continue, with researchers focusing on identifying species that are most at risk and developing strategies to safeguard their habitats. Public awareness and education campaigns aim to highlight the importance of conservation and the role that individuals can play in protecting the environment. These initiatives are crucial for building support for conservation efforts and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the rich natural heritage of the Florida Keys.

The story of the Key Largo tree cactus is a poignant example of how environmental changes can lead to the disappearance of once-abundant species. It highlights the importance of proactive conservation strategies and the need for global action to address the root causes of climate change. As scientists and conservationists continue to grapple with these challenges, the memory of the Key Largo tree cactus serves as a reminder of what is at stake in the fight to preserve our planet's biodiversity.

The loss of the Key Largo tree cactus is not just a loss for the Florida Keys, but for the entire ecological community. It underscores the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the cascading effects that the loss of one species can have on others. The efforts to understand and mitigate these impacts are ongoing, with researchers and conservationists striving to develop innovative solutions to protect and restore biodiversity in the face of climate change and other environmental pressures.