For reference: the IUCN Red List currently includes 166,061 species, of which 46,337 are threatened with extinction.

"Today, we are releasing the global assessment of the world’s trees on the IUCN Red List, which shows that more than one in three tree species are threatened with extinction. Trees are essential to support life on Earth through their vital role in ecosystems, and millions of people depend upon them for their lives and livelihoods", said Dr. Grethel Aguilar, IUCN Director General.

For the first time, the majority of the world’s trees have been listed on the IUCN Red List, revealing that at least 16,425 of the 47,282 species assessed are at risk of extinction. Trees now account for over one quarter of species on the IUCN Red List, and the number of threatened trees is more than double the number of all threatened birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians combined. Tree species are at risk of extinction in 192 countries around the world.

"This comprehensive assessment presents the first global picture of the conservation status of trees, which enables us to make better informed conservation decisions and take action to protect trees where it is urgently needed", said Dr. Malin Rivers, Global Tree Assessment lead at Botanic Gardens Conservation International, a Red List Partner.

Most of the endangered trees are located on islands. Island trees are at high risk, especially due to deforestation for urban development and agriculture, as well as pests and diseases.

The IUCN Red List also shows that the loss of trees is a major threat to thousands of other plants, fungi, and animals. As a defining component of many ecosystems, trees are fundamental to life on Earth through their role in carbon, water, and nutrient cycles, soil formation, and climate regulation. People also depend on trees, with over 5,000 of the tree species on the IUCN Red List used for timber in construction and over 2,000 species for medicines, food, and fuels, respectively.