The English-headed cactus, the plant emblem of Saint-Martin (Melocactus intortus) was, in the first half of 2026, at the heart of the first conservation project carried out jointly by the Nature Foundation Sint Maarten et theSaint-Martin National Nature Reserve Management Association (AGRNSM). Baptized Cactus Map (Mapping, Assessment, and Protection – mapping, assessment and protection), this cross-border program enabled the first comprehensive assessment of the species across the entire island.
Funded by the SPAW-RAC (Regional activity center for the species and the specially protected areas from the Caribbean), the project aimed to to assess the distribution, health status and conservation status of this native speciesIt also represents the first project developed jointly by the two organizations since the signing of an Memorandum of understanding in March 2025.
An iconic species to be preserved
Known to “Pope's head cactus” ou “Turk's head cactus” among English speakers and “English-style head” on the French side, the Melocactus intortus is one of the most recognizable plants in Saint-Martin. Its rounded shape and its cephalium Its red, crown-like appearance at maturity makes it an emblematic species of the island's coastal landscapes. Adapted to the harsh conditions of rocky environments, It grows on cliffs, exposed slopes, and shores. where few other plants manage to survive. Despite its resilience, it remains threatened by habitat loss, development, human disturbances, and invasive species.
Nearly 4.000 cacti have been identified.
Between January and June 2026, under the coordination of Joshua Bruns, project manager, the teams from the Nature Foundation and the AGRNSM conducted surveys at six sites spread across both sides of the island. Near 4.000 cactus were studied to assess their health status, age structure and any potential signs of threat.
On the French side, the surveys relied on the monitoring method already used by the AGRNSM in 2016 and 2021. Among our neighbors, they constitute the first comprehensive assessment of the population of Melocactus intortusThe data collected allowed us to create a common database and cross-border mapping, while revealing differences in protection: the wild cactus is protected by French regulations, but does not benefit from specific protection equivalent to that of Sint Maarten. _Vx
Info: https://urls.fr/uhrISD
