Sue Rutman (pers. com. 2007) reported that there were no maturre plants found on any of the permanent monitoring transects on Organpipe National Monument. No plant carcasses were found, but Sue observed that plants in cultivation in the OPNM nursery were being eaten by insects or rodents.

Monitoring plots have been established (Buskirk 1981, Phillip and Buskirk 1992, Heil and Melton 1994). Johnson (1992) found eleven bees associated with pollinating this species.

Monitoring plots have been established (Buskirk 1981, Phillip and Buskirk 1992, Heil and Melton 1994). Johnson (1992) found eleven bees associated with pollinating this species. There are six known US sites. Three occur at Organpipe National Monument, two on BLM land and one on private land. Sue Rutman (pers. com. 2007) reported that there were no mature plants found on any of the permanent monitoring transects on Organpipe National Monument. No plant carcasses were found, but Sue observed that plants in cultivation in the OPNM nursery were being eaten by insects or rodents.

Desert Botanical Garden is actively involved in testing seeds of Acuna cactus for germinability. Seeds produced on salvaged plants have been germinated to produce a new generation of Acuna cactus, but the seedlings did not survive the winter. Tests involve comparisons of various storage, germination and horticultural techniques related to survival of the taxon in the wild. (Desert Botanical Garden 2000) New germination tests will be conducted to produce plants that could potentially be used for an experimental population.

Desert Botanical Garden is actively involved in testing seeds of Acuna cactus for germinability. Seeds produced on salvaged plants have been germinated to produce a new generation of Acuna cactus, but the seedlings did not survive the winter. Tests involve comparisons of various storage, germination and horticultural techniques related to survival of the taxon in the wild. (Desert Botanical Garden 2000) New germination tests will be conducted to produce plants that could potentially be used for an experimental population.

This cactus variety has a fairly restricted range, being known only from south-central and southwestern Arizona (Pima, Pinal and Maricopa Counties) and Sonoyta, in northern Sonora, Mexico. It occurs on well-drained gravel ridges and knolls in Sonoran Desert scrub association; recent work suggests that bedrock/soil chemistry may partially explain habitat rarity (G. Haxel, pers. comm. to S. Rutman, 2007). Only six occurrences (plus one historical) are known in the United States, and one is known in Mexico. In the past, illegal horticultural collection was considered to be a primary threat. In recent years, however, the primary concern has been significant observed declines in several occurrences, stemming from a prolonged regional drought, small mammal predation, and possibly other causes. Rangewide decline in the number of ?individuals is approximatly 84% (1981 to 2013) and recruitment is rare. Additional threats include urban development, habitat degradation caused by law enforcement activities, habitat alteration by non-native invasive grasses, plant consumption and seed predation by insects (Moneilema gigas and Yosemitia graciella, respectively), and, potentially in the future, mining.

Plants are directly threatened by javelina or rodents uprooting them, and by illegal collection (USFWS 1997). Habitat degradation brought about by overgrazing of grass- and forage-eating animals is another possible threat. Seeds are carried away and cons

There are six known US sites. Three occur at Organpipe National Monument, two on BLM land and one on private land. Sue Rutman (pers. com. 2007) reported that there were no maturre plants found on any of the permanent monitoring transects on Organpipe National Monument. No plant carcasses were found, but Sue observed that plants in cultivation in the OPNM nursery were being eaten by insects or rodents.

Monitoring plots have been established (Buskirk 1981, Phillip and Buskirk 1992, Heil and Melton 1994). Johnson (1992) found eleven bees associated with pollinating this species.

Acuna cactus on Organpipe National Monument land is being actively protected by park staff.

Management needs include continued monitoring and protection. Research efforts focusing on seed dispersal, germination and habitat requirements for seedling recruitment would aid in conservation efforts.

Desert Botanical Garden is actively involved in testing seeds of Acuna cactus for germinability. Seeds produced on salvaged plants have been germinated to produce a new generation of Acuna cactus, but the seedlings did not survive the winter. Tests involve comparisons of various storage, germination and horticultural techniques related to survival of the taxon in the wild. (Desert Botanical Garden 2000) New germination tests will be conducted to produce plants that could potentially be used for an experimental population.