IUCN’s First Global Tree Assessment

• 05 Nov 2024

Source: DTE

Why in News? 

Recently, the first Global Tree Assessment was published as part of an update to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with its findings announced at the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16) in Cali, Colombia. 

COP16 

• The 2024 UN Biodiversity Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was held recently in Cali, Colombia with an objective to assess how countries are advancing towards the 2022 Montreal commitment to protect 30% of the planet’s land and marine areas by 2030.

What is the Global Tree Assessment Report?

• About: 
  • Purpose: It aims to evaluate all tree species globally for inclusion in the IUCN Red List, improving conservation information for decision-making. 
  • Launch: Started in 2015, the GTA helps prioritise conservation action, research, and funding for species most at risk of extinction. 
  • Partnerships and Collaboration: It collaborates with over 60 botanical organisations, 25 IUCN groups, and numerous tree experts worldwide. 
• Key Findings of the Report: 
  • Species at Risk: 
    • Of the 47,282 tree species analysed, 16,425 are threatened with extinction. Iconic species, such as magnolias, oaks, maples, and ebonies, are among those most endangered. 
      • Threatened tree species exceed the combined total of threatened birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, with trees at risk in 192 countries. 
    • The South Western Ghats of Kerala host Buchanania barberi, a small tree classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List since 2018.  
      • Urgent conservation initiatives, including germination trials that revealed high seed viability, have been undertaken to save this species. 
  • Main Threats: 
    • Deforestation: Land clearing for crops and livestock production is a leading driver of tree extinction, especially in tropical and forest-rich regions like South America. 
    • Logging: Many tree species are exploited for timber and other forest products, putting additional pressure on natural populations. 
      • Over 5,000 tree species are used for timber, and more than 2,000 for food, medicine, and fuel. 
    • Invasive Species, Pests, and Diseases: Non-native species and pathogens are increasingly affecting tree health, particularly in temperate zones. 
    • Climate Change: Warming temperatures, rising sea levels, and more frequent and intense storms pose significant risks, especially in tropical and island ecosystems. 
  • Ongoing Conservation Efforts: 
    • Initiatives in regions such as the Juan Fernández Islands, Cuba, Madagascar, and Fiji have successfully protected endangered tree species. 
    • Countries like Ghana, Colombia, Chile, and Kenya have developed national strategies focused on tree conservation. 
    • Gabon has designated key conservation areas specifically for trees, demonstrating a proactive approach to biodiversity preservation.

What is the IUCN Red List?

• The IUCN Red List is the foremost global resource for assessing the risk of extinction among animals, fungi, and plant species. 
• The list Categories define the extinction risk of species assessed. Nine categories extend from NE (Not Evaluated) to EX (Extinct). Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN) and Vulnerable (VU) species are considered to be threatened with extinction. 
  • It is also a key indicator for the Sustainable Development Goals and Aichi Targets. 
• The List includes the IUCN Green Status of Species, which assesses the recovery of species’ populations and measures their conservation success. 
  • There are eight Green Status Categories: Extinct in the Wild, Critically Depleted, Largely Depleted, Moderately Depleted, Slightly Depleted, Fully Recovered, Non-Depleted and Indeterminate. 
• A Green Status assessment examines how conservation actions have affected the current Red List status.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Q. Consider the following pairs  (2019) 

Wildlife : Naturally found in 

1. Blue-finned Mahseer : Cauvery River
2. Irrawaddy Dolphin : Chambal River
3. Rusty-spotted Cat : Eastern Ghats

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? 

(a) 1 and 2 only  

(b) 2 and 3 only 

(c) 1 and 3 only  

(d) 1, 2 and 3 

Ans: (c)

Q. Which one of the following is not a site for in-situ method of conservation of flora? (2011)

(a) Biosphere Reserve  

(b) Botanical Garden 

(c) National Park  

(d) Wildlife Sanctuary

Ans: (b)