More than a third of the world’s tree species are at risk of extinction, according to findings by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
The group said that its first global assessment of trees determined that 38 percent of species are at risk of extinction.
“This comprehensive assessment presents the first global picture of the conservation status of trees, which enables us to make better informed conservation decisions and take action to protect trees where it is urgently needed,” said Malin Rivers, the global tree assessment lead at Botanic Gardens Conservation International.
BGCI coordinated with the IUCN in an effort that involved more than 100 partners and 1,000 tree experts. The IUCN maintains its Red List of Threatened Species — the animals, fungus and plant species across the globe at risk of extinction. The group is an international mix of government and civil organizations looking to preserve wildlife and advance sustainable advancements.