Extinct Trees: How One-Third of Global Species Are Vanishing

In an alarming report released at the UN biodiversity summit in Cali, Colombia, scientists have revealed that more than a third of the world’s tree species face extinction. The report, jointly published by Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), highlights that the extinction risk facing trees now surpasses that of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians combined. The crisis surrounding extinct trees threatens ecosystems and the countless species that depend on them. This “extinct trees” crisis calls for urgent action to prevent the devastating loss of biodiversity.

With 38% of tree species now at risk, it’s clear that trees are increasingly vulnerable to threats, including agricultural land clearing, logging, pests, and diseases. According to Emily Beech from BGCI, these pressures are particularly severe in temperate regions, endangering iconic species like magnolias, oaks, maples, and ebonies. As extinct trees increase, they take with them entire ecosystems that rely on them, including various species of birds, insects, and mammals. Addressing the extinction of trees is crucial for preserving biodiversity and stabilizing the environment in regions around the world, including the United States.

Why the Extinction of Trees Matters for Biodiversity

The extinction of trees is not just a loss of individual species; it represents a tipping point for biodiversity globally. Trees provide critical habitats, and their presence allows for diverse ecosystems to flourish. Steven Bachman, a conservation researcher from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, notes,

“Losing trees means losing many other species that depend on them.”

When tree species face extinction, their loss threatens the plants, animals, and fungi that are part of their ecosystem. For example, endangered American ash trees, common throughout North America, support over 40 species of insects and birds that rely on them as a habitat.

This interconnected relationship between trees and biodiversity highlights the need for conservation strategies that target entire ecosystems rather than individual species. As noted in a recent BGCI study, a decline in tree diversity destabilizes ecosystems, leading to “ecosystem collapse,” where formerly thriving areas become barren landscapes. Such collapse is especially evident when extinct trees are keystone species, whose absence drastically affects the balance of nature.

Extinct American Trees: A Warning for Global Conservation

The United States has seen firsthand the devastating effects of tree extinction. Several extinct American trees, such as the American chestnut, once formed vast forests that dominated the landscape of the Eastern United States. These trees were considered “keystone species,” meaning they played a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem’s health and balance. The American chestnut’s extinction is a stark reminder of what happens when tree species are lost without intervention. Although certain efforts are underway to reintroduce resistant chestnut trees through selective breeding, most of these trees are now only memories of what once was.

Currently, the extinction warning extends to other trees across the United States, including the eastern hemlock and whitebark pine, both of which are under severe threat due to invasive pests and diseases. Without immediate conservation measures, these trees may soon join the list of extinct American trees, leading to cascading effects on the wildlife and plants that depend on them.

Main Threats Leading to Extinct Trees

The increase in extinct trees is driven by a range of threats that vary depending on the region. Among the most significant threats are:

1. Land Clearing for Agriculture: In regions around the world, forests are cleared to create space for farming. This agricultural expansion is especially prevalent in tropical regions, where high tree diversity exists.
2. Logging: The demand for timber and wood products has driven extensive logging, often unsustainable and poorly managed. Logging in sensitive areas removes trees faster than they can be replanted, leading to extinction risks for tree species unable to regenerate at the rate they are being removed.
3. Pests and Diseases: Invasive species, such as the emerald ash borer beetle in North America, have decimated ash tree populations, while sudden oak death has killed millions of oak trees in California. Without containment efforts, these diseases are likely to lead to even more extinct trees.
4. Climate Change: Rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns stress tree species not adapted to new environmental conditions. Some trees are now growing outside their traditional zones, where they may be less resilient to pests and diseases, making them vulnerable to extinction.
5. Urbanization: Expanding cities encroach on forests and natural habitats, reducing space for native tree species to grow. This urban spread also fragments forests, isolating tree populations and disrupting their ability to reproduce and adapt.

Conserving Trees: Solutions for Preventing Extinction

The ongoing COP 16 summit has reinforced the global commitment to addressing these challenges. As part of the 30 by 30 pledge, nations have agreed to protect 30% of the world’s lands and seas by 2030 to curb biodiversity loss. However, challenges remain, including securing financing for biodiversity projects and creating effective national conservation strategies.

Some conservation approaches are already showing promise:

1. Seed Banks and Tree Nurseries: Organizations like the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, have begun preserving endangered trees by collecting seeds and growing them in controlled environments. Seed banking can provide future generations with the resources needed to reintroduce extinct tree species to their natural habitats.
2. Habitat Protection and Restoration: Protecting and restoring forest habitats can ensure that threatened trees have a safe environment to thrive. This includes establishing protected areas where logging and land clearing are prohibited, as well as reforesting areas where tree populations have been severely diminished.
3. Research and Monitoring: Continued research is vital for understanding which tree species are most at risk and why. Organizations like Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) are actively studying endangered species, sharing data to inform conservation strategies and prevent further extinct trees.
4. Climate-Adaptive Conservation: In response to climate change, conservationists are now planting tree species in areas that better suit the new climatic conditions, allowing them to survive and adapt to future environmental changes.

Extinct Trees Warning: The Consequences of Inaction

Ignoring the increase in extinct trees would have severe implications for biodiversity and the well-being of human societies. Trees are crucial for carbon storage, oxygen production, and providing resources for communities. They are also vital to the livelihoods of many indigenous groups and local populations who depend on forest resources for food, medicine, and income.

The extinction warning includes not just trees but also other species that are losing their habitats due to deforestation and land clearing. The IUCN Red List, which tracks endangered species, now includes several species of migratory birds, such as the grey plover and curlew sandpiper. These birds depend on forested and coastal ecosystems that are increasingly under threat.

In the United States, efforts to prevent the extinction of American trees must be accelerated. Ash and hemlock trees, among others, are vital to maintaining the health of North American forests. Without comprehensive action, they may join the list of extinct American trees, leading to the loss of biodiversity that could ripple across entire ecosystems.

The Role of Public Awareness in Preventing Extinct Trees

Public awareness is essential for mobilizing support for tree conservation initiatives. Community-led tree-planting programs and awareness campaigns can bring attention to endangered trees and the importance of conservation. By educating people about the extinction of trees and its impacts on ecosystems, communities can help foster a conservation mindset.

One effective strategy is to support policies that prioritize conservation funding, prevent illegal logging, and incentivize sustainable forestry. By engaging with local and national leaders, individuals can advocate for stronger protections for endangered species and their habitats.

A Call to Action: Saving Trees to Preserve Our Planet

The extinction of trees is a profound warning about the fragility of our planet’s ecosystems. Protecting trees must be a global priority, requiring coordinated action across nations, industries, and communities. The consequences of losing tree species extend beyond forests and into the broader web of life, affecting countless species and the natural balance of ecosystems.

As the world acknowledges the grave threat facing extinct trees, it is crucial for everyone to play a part in protecting these vital species. From supporting reforestation efforts to reducing personal consumption of wood products, each action contributes to a larger effort to prevent the extinction of trees. By preserving these invaluable species, we can help ensure a stable, biodiverse future for generations to come.