Madagascar palm trees threatened with extinction

Environment protection groups said the cause was land clearing for agriculture and logging...

12:48 21 October 2012

Madagascar palm trees are integral part of the island’s biodiversity. Several communities in the island are relying on these trees for their food and housing. This is the reason why the International Union for Conservation of Nature is alarmed with the discovery that these trees are threatened with extinction.

 

According to their report, 83% of the 192 tree varieties are now on their threatened species list. 

 

The IUCN's global director for biodiversity conservation, Jane Smart said that the worsening situation couldn’t be ignored. She added: "The figures on Madagascar's palms are truly terrifying, especially as the loss of palms impacts both the unique biodiversity of the island and its people," she said.

 

According to IUCN Head, William Baker, the palm trees in the island have already been reduced to less than one quarter of their original size and they continue to disappear. This, according to him threatens all the remarkable wildlife living in the island. 

 

IUCN have now listed 65,518 animals and plants facing extinction worldwide.