Anna Ermakova - Peyote Conservation in the USA

Peyote serves as a central sacrament for the Native American Church, yet the species faces threats due to habitat loss from agriculture, energy infrastructure, and urban development in Texas. Research indicates significant population declines, compounded by a slow growth rate that makes recovery from habitat disruption exceptionally difficult. Conservation efforts require a multi-faceted approach addressing biological, social, and financial sustainability. Proposed harvesting guidelines emphasize leaving juvenile plants intact, rotating harvest sites, and protecting large, seed-producing individuals to ensure long-term population viability. Cultivation techniques continue to emerge as the most viable long-term solution to mitigate wild overharvesting while meeting cultural needs.