A recent report published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has highlighted the alarming fact that more than one in three tree species are at risk of extinction worldwide. The report, which assessed over 47,000 tree species out of an estimated 58,000 worldwide, found that over 16,000 tree species are in danger of disappearance.
Factors contributing to the risk of extinction include logging, land clearing for agriculture and human expansion, as well as the impacts of climate change such as droughts and wildfires. In addition, over 5,000 tree species are used for construction timber and more than 2,000 for medicines, food, and fuels.
The report emphasizes that the number of tree species at risk of extinction is more than double the combined number of threatened birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. It also notes that the highest proportion of endangered tree species is found on islands, with South America being particularly affected due to rapid urban development and invasive species.
In response to these findings, the IUCN is calling for increased efforts in forest protection, restoration, and conservation of endangered species through measures such as tree planting and seed banks. IUCN Director-General Grethel Aguilar highlighted the importance of trees in supporting life on Earth and the livelihoods of millions of people.
The report’s release coincides with the United Nations COP16 summit on biodiversity, where the UN Environment Programme is stressing the need to increase funding for nature conservation to halt biodiversity loss and meet climate goals. The urgent need for action to protect tree species and preserve ecosystems has never been more apparent.
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