The world’s tree species are in danger of extinction, new research claims

A report by environmental scientists has found that more than a third of the world’s tree species are on the brink of extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) updated Red List. The findings, which underline the scale of the biodiversity crisis, were shared at the UN COP16 biodiversity summit in Cali, Colombia. This global meeting aims to tackle the rapid decline of natural habitats and ecosystems. Human activities such as deforestation for agriculture and commercial logging are the main threats to tree species. Diseases and pests also take their toll, especially in temperate regions. The situation is serious and has major consequences for other species that depend on trees for their survival. This includes various birds, mammals and insects.

Conservation efforts and solutions

To combat the crisis, conservationists at institutions such as the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, are working on solutions such as seed banks and arboretum projects to conserve endangered tree species. Emily Beech of Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) expressed her hope and mentioned new tools available to prioritize conservation actions. Yet the challenges remain enormous, as trees are threatened in 192 countries, including species such as magnolias, oaks and ebony.

Wider impact on wildlife

The updated red list also brought worrying news for other wildlife, such as European hedgehogs and migratory birds, which are losing their habitat due to the increasing use of agricultural land. Four species of British shorebirds, including the gray plover and the dunlin, have been added to the threatened category.

Global response to the biodiversity crisis

Participants at the COP16 summit want to make progress towards protecting 30% of the world’s land and seas by 2030. The conference highlights the urgent need for additional financial support and stronger national policies to conserve biodiversity . With the summit set to conclude on November 1, discussions continue on tackling these pressing environmental challenges and shaping a sustainable future.