The Cactus Hunters - Desire and Extinction in the Illicit Succulent Trade

Explore the complex world of succulent collecting and the illicit trade that threatens these plants' survival in this thought-provoking lecture. Delve into the paradoxical behavior of passionate plant collectors who inadvertently endanger the very species they admire. Examine the findings from years of ethnographic and participatory research involving collectors, conservationists, law enforcement agents, plant smugglers, and botanists. Gain insights into the deeper psychological factors, such as desire, anxiety, and unconscious motivations, that drive the illegal wildlife trade beyond mere economic considerations. Learn about the characteristics of international succulent trades and their impact on species futures. Discover the speaker's ongoing research on the illicit harvesting and trade of the Venus flytrap in North Carolina, USA.