One third of the world’s tree species are facing the risk of extinction, according to a recent assessment by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The IUCN reviewed 47,282 tree species and found that 38 percent of them are at risk of disappearing from the planet.
The assessment, coordinated by Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), involved more than 100 partners and 1,000 tree experts. The experts categorized 16,425 tree species as critically endangered, endangered, or vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
The assessment highlighted the threats faced by tree species on islands, where factors like deforestation, invasive species, and extreme weather pose significant risks. In South America, over 3,000 out of 13,668 tree species are at risk due to activities like crop farming and livestock ranching.
The IUCN’s findings have already influenced conservation efforts in Colombia, where assessments have helped save seven species of magnolia trees. The experts emphasized the importance of global actions to protect and restore trees and their habitats, pointing to the critical role of seed banks and botanic garden collections in preventing extinctions.
The release of the assessment coincided with the United Nations’ COP 16 biodiversity summit in Cali, Colombia. The groups involved in the assessment called for urgent action to address the threats facing tree species worldwide.
Emily Beech, head of conservation at BGCI, stressed the importance of acting on the data now available. With a clearer understanding of the conservation status of trees globally, there is a growing sense of responsibility to take meaningful steps to protect these vital species.
The IUCN’s assessment serves as a wake-up call about the precarious situation facing many tree species around the world. It highlights the need for concerted efforts at local, national, and global levels to safeguard the diversity of trees and ensure their survival for future generations.