Transplanting Cactuses - Honest Mistake Or Illegal Activity

By Steve Goldstein
Published: Tuesday, March 29, 2016 - 4:10pm
Updated: Tuesday, March 29, 2016 - 5:26pm
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(Photo by Paul Atkinson - KJZZ)

Some scientists are extremely concerned about cactuses - in Arizona and elsewhere—being taken from their native areas for use as part of horticulture.

Zeke Austin, a longtime investigation supervisor with the Arizona Department of Agriculture, spoke about the issue. In his work he would encounter people violating native plant laws and have to determine whether they acted knowingly or more innocently.

He believes outreach needs to be improved.

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