Research from the University of Cambridge reveals that botanic gardens globally are struggling to conserve rare and threatened plant species due to limited space. An analysis of over a century of data from 50 gardens indicates that peak capacity has been reached, while the rate of plant extinction is increasing swiftly. As over 40% of plant species face extinction, curators like Prof. Sam Brockington emphasize the urgent need for effective responses and resource allocation to preserve biodiversity. Despite challenges, initiatives to add rare seeds to collections continue in efforts to bolster conservation.
Botanic gardens are full. We're running out of space and resources. The risk of extinction is accelerating, and our response is too slow.
Now, botanic gardens around the world are struggling to find the space to conserve rare plants and save endangered species.
The results suggest that the world's living collections have reached peak capacity, while international restrictions on plant collecting are impeding efforts to study plant diversity.
Despite these challenges, the Cambridge University Botanic Garden has added half-a-million seeds from rare plants to its collection.
Collection
[
|
...
]