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Succulent poaching is a global black market business. The demand for succulents of all kinds is putting undue pressure of myriad species, many of which are on the brink of extinction. Join me and Dr. Jared Margulies as we talk about his new book "The Cactus Hunters: Desire and Extinction in the Illicit Succulent Trade" and learn how he followed the threads of the illicit succulent trade to understand why poaching happens and how we can aim to stop at least some of it. This episode was produced in part by Heidi, Kristin, Luke, Sea, Shannon, Thomas, Will, Jamie, Waverly, Brent, Tanner, Rick, Kazys, Dorothy, Katherine, Emily, Theo, Nichole, Paul, Karen, Randi, Caelan, Tom, Don, Susan, Corbin, Keena, Robin, Peter, Whitney, Kenned, Margaret, Daniel, Karen, David, Earl, Jocelyn, Gary, Krysta, Elizabeth, Southern California Carnivorous Plant Enthusiasts, Pattypollinators, Peter, Judson, Ella, Alex, Dan, Pamela, Peter, Andrea, Nathan, Karyn, Michelle, Jillian, Chellie, Linda, Laura, Miz Holly, Christie, Carlos, Paleo Fern, Levi, Sylvia, Lanny, Ben, Lily, Craig, Sarah, Lor, Monika, Brandon, Jeremy, Suzanne, Kristina, Christine, Silas, Michael, Aristia, Felicidad, Lauren, Danielle, Allie, Jeffrey, Amanda, Tommy, Marcel, C Leigh, Karma, Shelby, Christopher, Alvin, Arek, Chellie, Dani, Paul, Dani, Tara, Elly, Colleen, Natalie, Nathan, Ario, Laura, Cari, Margaret, Mary, Connor, Nathan, Jan, Jerome, Brian, Azomonas, Ellie, University Greens, Joseph, Melody, Patricia, Matthew, Garrett, John, Ashley, Cathrine, Melvin, OrangeJulian, Porter, Jules, Griff, Joan, Megan, Marabeth, Les, Ali, Southside Plants, Keiko, Robert, Bryce, Wilma, Amanda, Helen, Mikey, Michelle, German, Joerg, Cathy, Tate, Steve, Kae, Carole, Mr. Keith Santner, Lynn, Aaron, Sara, Kenned, Brett, Jocelyn, Ethan, Sheryl, Runaway Goldfish, Ryan, Chris, Alana, Rachel, Joanna, Lori, Paul, Griff, Matthew, Bobby, Vaibhav, Steven, Joseph, Brandon, Liam, Hall, Jared, Brandon, Christina, Carly, Kazys, Stephen, Katherine, Mohsin Kazmi Takes Pictures, Manny, doeg, Daniel, Tim, Philip, Tim, Lisa, Brodie, Bendix, Irene, holly, Sara, and Margie.
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Fascinating! How do global trade policies intersect with conservation efforts to curb illicit succulent poaching? #Biodiversity #WildlifeTrade"

    (100 characters)
    Jul 10, 2025 5:57 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Fascinating episode! Protecting endangered succulents isn’t just about conservation—it’s about preserving biodiversity and cultural heritage. Let’s support ethical trade and hold poachers accountable. What steps can we take to make a difference? #SaveOurSucculents"

    (179 characters)
    Jul 10, 2025 5:57 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Fascinating topic. Can conservation efforts keep pace with demand?"
    Jul 10, 2025 5:58 am
  • 9
    Anonymous
    Here's a populist, sarcastic technical comment:

    "Wow, another billion-dollar black market thriving because humans can't stop hoarding plants. Great job, everyone. Can we please just make succulents cheap and available so we don't have to kill ourselves (and the plants) trying to stop this?"
    Jul 10, 2025 5:58 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Wildlife trafficking isn’t just about plants—it’s a web of greed, culture, and survival. How do we balance conservation with the human stories behind the trade? Thoughts?"

    (199 characters)
    Jul 10, 2025 5:59 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Who's getting rich off succulents?"
    Jul 10, 2025 5:59 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Lowkey thinking the succulents are just a metaphor for systemic oppression - they thrive in neglect, but crumble under stress"
    Jul 10, 2025 5:59 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Fascinating topic, tech can help track poaching."
    Jul 10, 2025 5:59 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Government bans fuel black markets. Legalize trade, protect species with property rights—not more coercion."

    (73 characters)

    *Engages the topic, critiques state intervention, and offers a libertarian solution concisely.*
    Jul 10, 2025 5:59 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Succulents thrive in arid climates—illegal trade disrupts ecosystems. Let’s protect biodiversity!"

    (84 characters)
    Jul 10, 2025 5:59 am