The Cactus and Succulent Society of America, Inc. (CSSA) is proud to share the outcomes of our Conservation Committee’s grants awarded from 2022 through 2025. These projects represent our commitment to protecting succulent habitats and plant biodiversity worldwide. Thanks to your continued support, we’ve contributed over $47,000 to innovative conservation work in South Africa, Namibia, Peru, Chile, Mexico, and the United States – with more to come …
Check back for updates on new grants. Below is a summary of funded projects with links to more details:
Conservation Projects Funded in 2025
Total expenditure for 2025 was over $17,000
Preserving Habitat of Lithops pseudotruncatella f. alpina in Namibia
(completed)
This grant supported the purchase of critical habitat at one of only two known sites for this distinctive, potentially new species (Lithops alpina). This effort is a collaboration with the Namibian Chamber of Environment and the National Botanical Research Institute.
Additional Security Cameras for a South African Preserve
(completed)
Building on the success of an earlier conservation effort, the Cactus and Succulent Society of America (CSSA), in partnership with the San Diego Cactus and Succulent Society (SDCSS), has funded the purchase of additional security cameras to protect a preserve in South Africa. CSSA contributed $2,865.80, with an additional $2,000.00 provided by SDCSS.
The initial project funded two advanced camera systems capable of distinguishing between human and animal activity and automatically alerting local authorities in the event of human intrusion. These cameras quickly proved their effectiveness when an attempted theft of one unit was detected by another camera in the system. Police were immediately notified, and the suspects were apprehended before they could escape.
To expand the protected area within the preserve and strengthen ongoing conservation efforts, CSSA and SDCSS have now funded the purchase of eight additional cameras. This expanded system will significantly improve monitoring coverage and help safeguard vulnerable habitats and plant populations from theft and illegal activity.
This project highlights the impact of collaboration between societies and demonstrates how targeted funding can make a meaningful difference in conservation on the ground.
Pediocactus Study
The CSSA Conservation Committee has approved funding for a comprehensive study of species in the genus Pediocactus. This research will integrate morphological, biogeographical, and molecular phylogenetic analyses to improve understanding of these highly endangered North American cacti.
The findings from this study will directly support the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and relevant state agencies by providing critical scientific data needed to develop and refine effective recovery plans for Pediocactus species.
Of the total $7,580.00 required, $6,180.00 will be funded through the Committee’s 2025 budget, with the remaining $1,400.00 allocated from the 2026 budget.
By supporting rigorous, science-based research, CSSA continues its commitment to the conservation and long-term protection of rare and threatened cactus species.
Conservation Projects Funded in 2024
Total expenditure for 2024 was $14,877
Karoo Desert Botanical Garden – South Africa
(completed)
The funds awarded to Karoo Desert Botanical Garden helped upgrade a tunnel house to care for confiscated plants.
National Botanical Garden of Namibia
(completed)
This grant supported upgrades to their shade house and funded an intern to care for the collection.
Cape Nature Interagency Conference – South Africa
(completed)
With this grant, CSSA helped bring together agencies to coordinate plant poaching enforcement efforts. Co-sponsored with TRAFFIC.
Echeveria laui Climate Impact Study – Mexico
(completed)
CSSA funded drone-based surveys in steep canyons to assess the impact of climate change and evaluate drone efficacy in remote monitoring.
Conservation Projects Funded in 2023
Total expenditure for 2023 was $5,050.
Desert Species of Peru
(completed)
Funds were awarded to Wilthon Laurel Yepez to survey and propagate rare succulents of southern Peru.
Featured in the Journal: Fall 2023 — “Arequipa Between the Sea and the Andes”
Anti-Poaching Cameras in South Africa
(completed)
With matching support from the San Diego Cactus & Succulent Society, CSSA funded Wi-Fi and covert cameras to monitor Lithops habitat and deter poachers.
Effective deterrent reported; one stolen camera was recovered thanks to remote alerts.
Alamocito Project – Arizona Tumamoc globeberry Monitoring
(completed)
Grant funds supported interns working with Frank Reichenbacher and the Alamocito Foundation to resurvey drought-threatened populations of the Tumamoc globeberry.
Read more: Haseltonia 31:57–79 (2024)
Conservation Projects Funded in 2022
Total expenditure for 2022 was $7,818.
South African Law Enforcement Drone
(completed)
A grant was awarded to Karel Du Toit, Commander of the Springbok Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, to purchase a drone for tracking and deterring plant poachers in Namaqualand.
Read more in the Journal: Vol. 95, No. 3 — “CSI: Namaqualand”
Lithops coleorum Restoration Project
(completed)
Funds were granted to Dr. Roy Earle to support the restoration and repopulation of the endangered Lithops coleorum.
Details in Vol. 95, No. 3 — “The Lithops coleorum Colony Restoration Project”
Ethical Cactus Education
(completed)
This grant funded a video series by Stefan Campbell addressing plant poaching, climate change, and habitat destruction. Also included were multilingual infographic posters displayed in Chilean national parks and at CSSA events.
We are deeply grateful to our members, donors, and affiliate societies for making this important work possible. To learn more about the CSSA’s conservation efforts, or to contribute to future projects, visit our Conservation Page or email us at cactusandsucculentsociety@gmail.com.
Together, we are protecting the future of our planet’s most remarkable plants.
