More than Half of Amazon Tree Species at Risk of Extinction

Scientists say that more than half of the tree species in the Amazon rainforest in South America are at risk of extinction due to deforestation for agriculture, livestock farming, and other activities. According to Reuters, the International Union for Conservation of Nature has announced that if this trend continues, 36 to 57 percent of the estimated 15,000 species in the Amazon will be at risk of extinction. The researchers conducted studies over an area of 5.5 million square kilometers of forests in Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Suriname, and French Guiana. These studies were derived from analyzing about 1,500 forest charts from current and future maps of the Amazon. These maps predict the number and species of trees that are likely to become extinct by the middle of this century. Nigel Pitman, an ecosystem conservation specialist at the Chicago Museum, states, "Many of the species at risk of extinction are used daily by the residents of the Amazon, and many others are vital for the region's economy." He also mentioned that the endangered trees include important species such as Brazil nuts, palms, and valuable timber species, which the lives of Amazon residents depend on for fruits, seeds, husks, and medicinal properties. These trees play a crucial role in soil stability and climate regulation. He says, "It is true that this threat is serious, but we must remember that over 85 percent of the Amazon rainforest is still untouched." Hans ter Steege, an ecologist at the Netherlands Center for Biodiversity, states, "Scientists have been warning about the destruction of the Amazon rainforest for several decades. Studies show that deforestation will continue in the future. The hopeful point is that the rate of deforestation has significantly decreased in the past decade." Researchers say that if green spaces, natural resources, and lands in the Amazon region are properly managed, it will be possible to preserve a large portion of the endangered species. Previous studies indicate that the area of the Amazon rainforest has already decreased by 12 percent and will decrease by another 28 percent by 2050. New research has been published in the journal 'Advances in Science.'