Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) has published a landmark State of the World’s Trees report on 1^st September 2021. The report, compiling work led by the Global Tree Assessment (GTA), is the culmination of five years of research to identify major gaps in tree conservation efforts. It is one of the first assessments of the world’s threatened trees.

Examining the globe’s 60,000 tree species, it reveals that 30% (17,500) of tree species are currently at risk of extinction (Over 440 tree species have fewer than 50 individuals remaining in the wild; 142 tree species were extinct in the wild). That means there are twice the number of threatened tree species globally than threatened mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles combined. 

The report finds hope for the future, however, as conservation efforts led by the botanical community worldwide are growing. Identifying which trees are at risk and ensuring these are protected is the most effective way to prevent extinction and restore endangered species. The report reveals that at least 64% of all tree species can be found in at least one protected area, and about 30% can be found in botanic gardens, seed banks, or other EX SITU collections, but further action is needed.

The GlobalTree Portal was also launched at the same time. The GlobalTree Portal will provide access to information on the world’s nearly 60,000 tree species. The data is accessible on three levels – species, country or global.

The report can be found here: www.bgci.org/stateoftrees

A press release on the launch of this report can be found here:  https://www.bgci.org/news-events/bgci-launches-the-state-of-the-worlds-trees-report/

The portal can be found here:  https://www.bgci.org/resources/bgci-databases/globaltree-portal/