The first global picture of the status of trees: More than a third threatened
The survival of 38 percent of the world’s tree species is threatened, and the loss of forests poses a major threat to thousands of other plants, fungi and animals, according to the latest report of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The updated IUCN Red List, which is the world’s most comprehensive list of endangered plant and animal species, now lists the Western European hedgehog as “near threatened”, as its population has decreased by 30 percent over the past decade.
The list now includes more than 166,000 species, of which more than 46,000 are threatened with extinction. Of at least 47,282 species of trees that are on the IUCN Red List, it is estimated that 16,425 species are threatened.
Trees make up more than a quarter of the species on the Red List, and the number of threatened trees is more than twice the number of threatened birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians combined.
The largest share of endangered trees is found on islands, and the main reasons are deforestation due to urban development and agriculture, invasive species, pests and diseases.
People depend on trees
“Climate change is increasingly threatening trees, especially in tropical areas, through rising sea levels and stronger and more frequent storms,” the statement said, adding that addressing the threats facing trees, protecting and restoring habitats are key to preventing extinction. on the islands and around the world.
In South America, which has the richest biodiversity, an estimated 3,356 out of 13,668 species are at risk of extinction, mostly due to deforestation for crop cultivation and cattle ranching.
“This comprehensive assessment provides the first global picture of the conservation status of trees, allowing us to make better-informed conservation decisions and take action to protect trees where it is urgently needed,” said Malin Rivers of Botanic Gardens Conservation International.
In addition to trees playing a key role in carbon, water and nutrient cycles, soil formation and climate regulation, the IUCN points out that people also depend on trees. More than 5,000 species of trees on the IUCN Red List are used in construction, and more than 2,000 species for medicine, food and fuel.
“Trees are essential to sustaining life on Earth through their vital role in ecosystems, and the lives and livelihoods of millions of people depend on them,” said IUCN Director-General Gretel Aguilar.
Source: Beta
Photo: Pixabay, Unsplash
Source: bizlife.rs
