More than one in three tree species threatened with extinction, finds IUCN’s first Global Tree Assessment

Sub: Env

Sec: Biodiversity

Global Tree Assessment:

The first-ever Global Tree Assessment, launched by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) at COP16 of the Convention on Biological Diversity in Cali, Colombia, has revealed a critical threat to global biodiversity: nearly 38% of tree species worldwide are now at risk of extinction.

Key Findings:

Extent of Threat: 16,425 out of 47,282 assessed tree species face the risk of extinction, meaning over one in three species could be lost.
The number of threatened tree species surpasses the total of threatened birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians combined.
Trees are endangered in 192 countries, with islands particularly vulnerable due to urban development, agriculture, and invasive species.

Causes of Decline:

Deforestation and Land Use: South America, with the highest tree diversity, has 3,356 tree species at risk, mainly due to deforestation for agriculture and livestock.
Climate Change: Rising sea levels, storms, and other extreme events increasingly threaten trees, especially in tropical regions.
Dependence on Trees: Over 5,000 tree species on the IUCN Red List are used for timber, and 2,000 for food, fuel, and medicine, underscoring the risk to essential resources.

Importance of Trees:

Ecosystem Role: Trees are vital for carbon and water cycles, soil formation, and climate regulation, supporting a wide range of other plants, fungi, and animals.
Forest-Dependent Species: Many globally threatened birds and other wildlife rely on forests, heightening the interconnected risk from tree loss.