An increased occurrence of fire is a major threat to trees in Madagascar, and has also been identified as a risk to US species of oak and Nothofagus trees in Australia and South America. This threat is most severe to island species, including magnolias in the Caribbean. This affects species in both temperate and tropical habitats, with Cloud Forest tree species of Central America being at particular risk.Īt least 180 tree species are directly threatened by sea level rise and severe weather events. As the temperature and weather of the world changes, many trees risk losing areas of suitable habitat. The report finds that 1 in 3 trees currently harvested for timber are threatened with extinction.Ĭlimate change and extreme weather are emerging threats to tree species globally. The greatest threats facing trees include habitat loss from agriculture and grazing, followed by over-exploitation from logging and harvesting. Despite the value of trees, many face extinction as a result of over-exploitation and mismanagement. It reveals that 1 in 5 tree species are directly used by humans, for food, fuel, timber, medicines, horticulture, and more. The report from BGCI provides one of the most comprehensive analyses of the uses and threats facing different tree species. Cause of extinction – climate change is a growing threat The State of the World’s Trees report brings together research from over 60 institutional partners, including botanic gardens, forestry institutions and universities worldwide, as well as more than 500 experts who have contributed to tree assessments in the last five years. The report reveals that at least 64% of all tree species can be found in at least one protected area, and about 30% can be found in botanic gardens, seed banks, or other ex situ collections, but further action is needed. Identifying which trees are at risk and ensuring these are protected is the most effective way to prevent extinction and restore endangered species. The report finds hope for the future, however, as conservation efforts led by the botanical community worldwide are growing. These species are found all over the world, from the Mulanje cedar in Malawi, with only a few remaining individuals on Mulanje Mountain, to the Menai whitebeam found only in North Wales, which has only 30 trees remaining.
Over 440 tree species are right on the brink of extinction, the report reveals, meaning they have fewer than 50 individuals remaining in the wild.
That means there are twice the number of threatened tree species globally than threatened mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles combined. It is one of the first assessments of the world’s threatened trees.Įxamining the globe’s 60,000 tree species, it reveals that 30% (17,500) of tree species are currently at risk of extinction. The report, compiling work led by the Global Tree Assessment (GTA), is the culmination of five years of research to identify major gaps in tree conservation efforts.
(London, UK) - Today, Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) has published a landmark State of the World’s Trees report.
Agriculture, logging, and livestock farming are the top threats but climate change and extreme weather are emerging dangers.Well-known trees such as magnolias and dipterocarps among most threatened, with oaks, maple (Acer) and ebonies also at risk.A third (30%) of the world’s trees are at risk of extinction.