In a recent study led by a senior researcher at Kew, Dr Félix Forest, which formed the basis for the EDGE gymnosperm list, it was explained that gymnosperms are among the most threatened living organisms on the planet, with 40% of their species at high risk of extinction. Several of these priority EDGE species can be found at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in London. It exists now mainly in protected areas on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range but is currently at high risk of extinction from fires. Animals such as the white-headed woodpecker, pacific tree frog and the northern flying squirrel all live and rely on the sequoia tree. The giant sequoia, which is the sole living species in its genus, can live for more than 3,000 years and grow up to 100 metres tall. Other examples of well-known gymnosperms include the world’s largest tree, the giant sequoia ( Sequoiadendron giganteum). Therefore, we are using this opportunity to champion local experts to implement conservation action on the most evolutionarily unique plant species before they, and their untold benefits, are lost for ever.” Recent evidence shows that plants provide an incredible variety of benefits to humans, and by protecting the most evolutionarily unique species we can ensure that these benefits-both known and yet-to-be-discovered-are maintained for future generations. “Our programme is branching out from our usual focus on animals to shine a spotlight on one of the most ancient and threatened groups of organisms on Earth today. Yet, despite the integral role these plants play in supporting our wellbeing and the functioning of natural ecosystems around the world, a staggering number of the most unique conifers, cycads, and their weird and wonderful relatives, are on the verge of extinction. With only 80 mature individuals now thought to remain in the wild, this Critically Endangered ‘Lazarus’ species is highly threatened by climate change-induced wildfire and was saved by firefighters from the infamous Australian wildfires of 2020.Īlongside rare and lesser-known species such as the Chinese swamp cyprus ( Glyptostrobus pensilis) is the Monkey Puzzle tree ( Araucaria araucana)– a common sight in gardens around the world, but alarmingly ranked number eight on the list, and under threat from fires and encroachment from commercial plantations.ĮDGE Postdoctoral Research Scientist at ZSL, Dr Rikki Gumbs said: "Whether we are eating them, planting them in our gardens, or using their extracts to treat diseases, gymnosperms provide unique and irreplaceable contributions to our society. The loss of this tree spells disaster for the species which rely on it in its natural habitat, including leopards and badgers.Ĭoming in at a close second is the ancient Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis), a species said to have ‘risen from the dead’ as it was only known from the fossil record until 1994, when a living tree was discovered in a remote gorge of the Wollemi National Park, Australia. Number one on the list, the Maidenhair tree ( Ginkgo biloba) is native to China and wild populations of this species are facing extinction due to human overexploitation, despite the species being widely cultivated. One of the planet’s most efficient carbon stores, trees provide unique and unparalleled ecosystem services, and this list provides first-of-its-kind guidance on which species should be protected as a matter of urgency. As the world faces unprecedented climate events, from heatwaves, to droughts, to floods, the conservation of trees is crucial. Officially launched today (Friday 05 October), the updated 2022 results provide a startling view of the precarious status of the planet’s plant life.
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