A new global assessment reveals that over a third of the world’s tree species are threatened with extinction in the wild, surpassing the combined threat levels faced by birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
This alarming update, published by Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), was released at the UN biodiversity summit, COP 16, in Cali, Colombia, where world leaders are evaluating progress on a global conservation pledge.
More than 1,000 scientists contributed to the report, which found that 38% of tree species are endangered.
According to BGCI’s Emily Beech, the primary threats to trees globally are land clearing for agriculture, logging, pests, and diseases, which are especially prevalent in temperate regions. Iconic species like magnolias, oaks, maples, and ebonies are among the most endangered, reflecting a global biodiversity crisis impacting entire ecosystems.
The conservation implications extend beyond trees themselves, as the habitats they create support countless species of birds, insects, and mammals. “Losing trees means losing many other species that depend on them,” said conservation researcher Steven Bachman of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, which is working to preserve trees by collecting seeds and cultivating specimens.
Beyond trees, the updated extinction red list highlights broader threats to wildlife, including the European hedgehog, now closer to extinction due to habitat loss from agricultural expansion. Several migratory shorebirds that frequent the UK’s coasts—such as the grey plover and curlew sandpiper—also face heightened risks.
The COP 16 summit, set to conclude on November 1, is crucial as nations take stock of commitments to protect 30% of the world’s lands and seas by 2030. However, key challenges remain, including securing financing for biodiversity initiatives and strengthening national conservation strategies.
(With inputs from BBC)
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