Thousands of Tree Species at Risk of Extinction

New Information Revealed About Danger To Oak, Maple Species

LISLE, IL (November 19, 2007) – Seventy-eight species of oak trees – cornerstones of natural and urban landscapes – are globally threatened with extinction, including 17 species that are under threat in the United States, according to an as-yet unpublished report from international experts. Additionally, 19 maple tree species are either “critically endangered” or “endangered.” Sara Oldfield, Secretary General of London-based Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), revealed the data when addressing conservationists and others at The Morton Arboretum.

“Ecosystems and species are under threat, there’s no doubt about it,” Oldfield said. “Plants are often overlooked in biodiversity debates. Often, animals are discussed, but what about the plants on which they depend?” she asked.

Oaks and maples join magnolias, conifers, ginkgo, and others on the “Red List.” This document, from the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), lists species that are threatened with extinction in the wild – even rating the seriousness of each species’ situation with categories such as critically endangered, endangered, and vulnerable. MORE