Source: www.bbc.co.uk
One-fifth of the world’s plants – the foundation of life on Earth – are at risk of extinction, a study concludes. The study, known as the Sampled Red List Index for Plants, is an attempt to provide the most accurate assessment so far. Previous studies have focused on the most threatened plants or particular regions. This one instead sampled species from each of the five main groups of plants, and its authors argue that as a result, their conclusions are more credible, if shocking.
The analysis comes from the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, the Natural History Museum and International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Researchers have sampled almost 4,000 species, and conclude that 22% should be classified as “threatened” – the same alarming rate as for mammals. But a further 33% of species were too poorly understood to be assessed. Launching the findings, Kew’s director, Professor Stephen Hopper, said the study would provide a baseline from which to judge future losses. “We cannot sit back and watch plant species disappear – plants are the basis of all life on Earth, providing clean air, water, food and fuel.
Another concern is that we have become dependent on a narrow range of plants with a limited genetic base. The report estimates that 80% of the calories consumed worldwide are derived from just 12 different species.
See a video at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11433781