More than 1/3 of tree species faces extinction. This is one of the major conclusions of the IUCN Red List update released on October 28, 2024. Until now, little was known about tree conservation status.
Indeed, the total number of tree species and their geographical location had not been formally determined, and information on the number of individuals or population dynamics was lacking.
These data have now been gathered thanks to a major effort coordinated by Botanic Gardens Conservation International and the IUCN Species Survival Commission Global Tree Specialist Group.
Over the past 5 years, hundreds of experts have contributed to the first Global Tree Assessment. Whereas before, less than 10,000 tree species had been assessed for the IUCN Red List, the effort enabled the evaluation of the conservation status of nearly 50,000 tree species.
This update reveals that almost 38% of tree species are classified as “vulnerable”, “endangered” or “critically endangered”, and are therefore threatened with extinction. This represents at least 16,425 species.
This extensive biodiversity inventory will enable to establish and prioritize conservation actions for the targeted species. 🌱
#IUCNRedList #forests #nature #COP16Columbia #COP29Baku
Sources:
IUCN Press Release https://iucn.org/press-release/202410/more-one-three-tree-species-worldwide-faces-extinction-iucn-red-list
Global Tree Assessment https://www.bgci.org/our-work/networks/gta/
Morgane Gillard,
Scientific Figure Designer