Overview
Beginning in early 2026, the Cactus MAP (Mapping, Assessment, and Protection) project takes a transboundary approach to establishing a baseline assessment of the health and distribution of the SPAW-III listed Melocactus intortus cactus, known locally as the Turk’s head or Pope’s head cactus, across the island of Saint Martin. By monitoring key population centers on Sint Maarten and Saint-Martin, and documenting the threats facing remaining individuals, Cactus MAP aims to collect the foundational data needed to inform future monitoring, and policy efforts on Sint Maarten for this ecologically important species. So far our accomplishments include:
- Hiring a qualified fellow
- Successful surveying of thousands of individual cacti on the Dutch and French sides of the island
- Creation of the first transboundary map of melocacti on Saint Martin
Currently, we are continuing to work on:
- Educational outreach for the protection of SPAW-listed species on Sint Maarten
- Supporting increased policy protections for this species
Background
Overdevelopment and the spread of the invasive cactus moth, the Cactoblastis cactorum, have severely impacted the health and distribution of Saint Martin’s iconic melocactus population. Despite their relatively small size, the melocactus plays an important role in supporting the island’s terrestrial ecology, providing food and nectar for many native species such as hummingbirds and insects. As melocactus populations decline, a new threat is added to the island’s unique biodiversity.Â
Population declines of melocactus are made more severe by its slow life cycle. To survive in harsh coastal environments such as cliff sides and rocky soils, the melocactus grows extremely slowly and only creates its iconic, tall red cephalium “hat” as it reaches maturity around 10 years old. The destruction and removal of the melocactus from its native environment can quickly undo decades of slow growth.Â
To address the mounting challenges facing Sint Maarten’s melocactus population, funding from SPAW-RAC has enabled ecological monitoring on cactus health and distribution on the island. The results of this project will create a baseline that can be used for future monitoring and policy efforts to protect the species. Â
Deliverables
OUTPUTS:
- Health and abundance assessment on Sint Maarten and Saint-Martin
- Transboundary map of distribution across the island
- Drone mapping protocol for future population assessments
OUTPUTS:
- Education and Awareness Campaign
- Bilingual curriculum for primary and secondary school students focused on the SPAW Protocol and protected flora
Funder
The project is funded by the Regional Activity Center for the Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW-RAC),  which is primarily financed by the government of France. It operates under the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Regional Coordination Unit to implement the SPAW Protocol, focusing on the protection of marine and coastal biodiversity in the Caribbean Region. Â
