**More Than a Third of World's Tree Species Threatened with Extinction, Scientists Warn**

According to recent findings, over a third of the world's tree species face the threat of extinction in their natural habitats. The staggering number surpasses the combined total of endangered birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, as indicated by the latest update to the official extinction red list. This alarming data was publicized at the UN biodiversity summit, COP 16, held in Cali, Colombia, which focuses on evaluating progress in the global nature rescue plan.

Trees play an indispensable role in maintaining life on Earth by purifying the air, absorbing carbon emissions, and providing habitats for numerous birds, insects, and mammals. The conservation status of trees was analyzed by over 1,000 scientists. The research, conducted by Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), shows that 38% of the world's tree species are now threatened with extinction.

Emily Beech from BGCI emphasized the critical nature of the findings. "Trees are highly threatened all across the world, but now we have the tools to prioritize conservation action on the ground," she stated. The research highlights that tree species in 192 countries are at risk, primarily due to land clearance for agriculture and logging, with pests and diseases posing significant threats in temperate regions. Notable trees such as magnolias, oaks, maples, and ebonies are among the most endangered.

Efforts to preserve these vital species are underway at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in London, where scientists are conserving trees globally by collecting seeds and growing specimens in arboretums. Conservation researcher Steven Bachman described the statistics as "shocking," pointing out the broader implications for biodiversity. "We are currently in a biodiversity crisis," he said. "Many species of trees around the world provide habitats for numerous other species. If we lose the trees, we are losing many other species with them."

The update to the extinction red list also presented grim news for other plants and animals. The population of the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is dwindling across much of Europe, including the UK, pushing it closer to extinction due to habitat loss from agricultural expansion and land development. Additionally, the survival of migratory birds, including four UK shorebirds – the grey plover, dunlin, turnstone, and curlew sandpiper – is increasingly at risk.

World leaders at COP 16 are addressing these grave concerns by reviewing commitments to protect 30% of the world's lands, seas, and oceans by 2030. The summit, which concludes on November 1, faces challenges including securing financing for biodiversity preservation and strengthening national plans to protect nature.