Nearly 60% of Europe’s native trees risk extinction

Fifty-eight percent of the 265 tree species native only to Europe face a high to extreme risk of dying out, according to a study published Friday by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The IUCN, which is known for its “Red List” classification of endangered species, said trees were under pressure from “invasive and problematic” species, urban development and “unsustainable logging.”

“Trees are essential for life on Earth, and European trees in all their diversity are a source of food and shelter for countless animal species such as birds and squirrels, and play a key economic role,” according to a statement from the head of the IUCN’s Red List unit, Craig Hilton-Taylor.

The study said 42% of the 454 tree species in Europe, which include some found elsewhere, could die out on the continent.

Sixty-six species were considered “critically endangered,” a classification denoting that they are one step away from extinction.

Via DW