The National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands (NPTVI) is collaborating with the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens to learn more about the biology and conservation status of Pilosocereus, a genus of cacti found within the Virgin Islands. The research is being led by botanist Andrew Gdaniec, who will be in the Territory from 22nd August until 4th September, 2021. Staff from the Joseph Reynold O’Neal Botanic Gardens (JRONBG) will participate in fieldwork on Anegada, Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and the sister islands.

This research is part of a larger regional study within the Caribbean to better understand the evolutionary history of cacti species. Activities will include seed collections for seed banking locally and at the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens; training will also be provided to NPTVI staff on the propagation of cacti species. This study will assist NPTVI by building local capacity at the JRONBG so that cacti species can be conserved locally, it also highlights the regional importance of the Virgin Island’s cacti species which can guide NPTVI’s conservation strategy.

For more information please contact the National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands at 1 284 494 3904 or bvinpt@bvinpt.org .

Note: Picture 1 - Stenocereus fimbriatus