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Arizona's Iconic Saguaros Face Death Amid Record Heat

6/27/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Arizona's beloved saguaro cactus, a symbol of the Sonoran Desert, is under siege as soaring temperatures push death rates in Phoenix from 1% to nearly 7% each year. With record heat since 2020 jeopardizing their existence, researchers at the Desert Botanical Garden are racing against time to discover resilient varieties that can withstand this harsh, changing climate.

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Story summary

Arizona's beloved saguaro cactus, a symbol of the Sonoran Desert, is under siege as soaring temperatures push death rates in Phoenix from 1% to nearly 7% each year. With record heat since 2020 jeopardizing their existence, researchers at the Desert Botanical Garden are racing against time to discover resilient varieties that can withstand this harsh, changing climate.