October 30, 2024
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One in three tree species is in danger of extinction
In a review of 47,282 tree species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, more than a third are in danger of extinction.
Ignacio Palacios/Getty Images
KLIMAWIRE | More than a third of the world’s tree species are at risk of extinction, according to the findings of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
The group said the first global assessment of trees determined that 38 percent of species are threatened with extinction.
“This comprehensive assessment presents the first global snapshot of tree conservation status, allowing us to make better-informed conservation decisions and take action to protect trees where they are needed,” said Malin Rivers, Global Tree Assessment Manager at the Botanic Gardens. the responsible International Conservation.
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BGCI coordinated with IUCN in an effort involving more than 100 partners and 1,000 tree experts. The IUCN maintains the Red List of Threatened Species: endangered species of animals, fungi and plants. The group is an international mix of governments and civil society organizations committed to wildlife conservation and sustainable progress.
Experts analyzed 47,282 tree species and determined that 16,425 — or 34 percent — are threatened, classified as critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable on the Red List.
The team increased its estimate of how many tree species are at risk to 38 percent to account for tree species that could not be surveyed.
“There are some species that are very restricted, so there aren’t many of them, but species that are threatened in the US like the Fraser fir are also very widespread,” said Emily Beech, head of conservation at BGCI.
The island’s trees are most threatened by major threats such as deforestation, invasive species and extreme weather.
In South America, home to more tree species than anywhere else in the world, more than 3,000 of the 13,668 tree species are threatened with extinction due to crop agriculture and ranching. The IUCN says their assessments have helped local and national governments plan to save seven magnolia tree species in Colombia.
The IUCN released its findings in Cali, Colombia, where the United Nations COP 16 biodiversity summit is in its second week.
The groups involved in the tree assessments called for global action to protect and restore the trees and their habitats, saying that seed banks and botanical garden collections are essential to prevent extinction.
“Now that we have the data, we are forced to act,” Beech said.
This story was first published E&E News PM.
Reprinted E&E News Courtesy of POLITICO, LLC. Copyright 2024. E&E News provides essential news for energy and environmental professionals.
