Global dataset shows geography and life form predict modern plant extinction and rediscovery
Resource type
Journal article
Creator (person)
Humphreys, Aelys
Govaerts, Rafaël
Ficinski, Sarah
Nic Lughadha, Eimear
Vorontsova, Maria S.
Date published
June 10, 2019
Abstract
Most people can name a mammal or bird that has become extinct in recent centuries, but few can name a recently extinct plant. We present a comprehensive, global analysis of modern extinction in plants. Almost 600 species have become extinct, at a higher rate than background extinction, but almost as many have been erroneously declared extinct and then been rediscovered. Reports of extinction on islands, in the tropics and of shrubs, trees or species with narrow ranges are least likely to be refuted by rediscovery. Plant extinctions endanger other organisms, ecosystems and human well-being, and must be understood for effective conservation planning.
Journal title
Nature Ecology & Evolution
ISSN
2397-334X
Rights statement
In Copyright