Found in a variety of forms and sometimes with very attractive flowers, cacti and other succulents have elicited widespread interest and tremendous popularity worldwide. Although the subject of a certain amount of debate, about 10,000 species of plant are recognised as belonging to the succulent group. Of these, an estimated 2,000 are threatened with global extinction in the wild and many more are regionally or nationally threatened. The main threats to the survival of cacti and succulent plants are habitat destruction and collection for international trade. For the first time, this action plan brings together from around the world current information on population status, threats and conservation of this particularly important group of plants. Prepared with conservationists, scientists, governments, protected area managers and grand-awarding bodies in mind, it suggests priorities for action and encourages collaboration among interested parties at all levels.