“More than half of European trees are endangered”

According to a recent assessment report, more than half of European native species are at risk of extinction. Not long ago, IUCN, the International Federation for Conservation of Nature, unveiled a tree red list in Europe. According to this, two-fifths of the 454 native European species have become endangered species in Europe. On the other hand, when looking at endemic species in Europe, 58% are said to be on the verge of extinction, mainly due to invasive species or pests. Of these, 15% are near extinction.

IUCN says it is surprising that more than half of European endemic species are now on the verge of extinction. It is important to remember that trees are essential to life on Earth, and that trees are a food source for numerous animal species, such as birds and squirrels, and play an important economic role.

Among the trees at risk, the shrub (Heberdenia excelsa), which grows in the Spanish and Portuguese islands, faces severe habitat loss due to wildfires and human use. Another species (Sorbus albensis) is a tree that bears red fruit, which is becoming difficult to grow due to changes in Bohemia in northern Czech Republic, and one conifer (Serbian Spruce) is facing this same thing in Bosmia and Herzegovina and Serbia.

All of the trees face threats, but reports show that there are many other problems with exotic species. Pests that injure trees such as maronis affect 38% of European tree species. The main risk factors are deforestation, timber harvesting and urban development.

Climate change is also a threat. It is pointed out that the impact of climate change is still not well understood and may be underestimated. The report understands that climate change is a threat to three species, but it only points to species with obvious impacts. Without other research or intervention on these trees, they might disappear in the near future. Climate change currently directly threatens 50 tree species.

As a countermeasure, it is said that first, the vegetation imported into Europe needs to be carefully inspected to prevent further invasion of pests. This is especially the case when countries see trees as carbon sinks to offset greenhouse gas emissions. The European tree is just one of the victims of human and widespread action. Other species, such as frogs and birds, are also suffering by humans. Related information can be found here .