News Published: 18 October 2024

New research by The Morton Arboretum and its partners highlights the urgent need to conserve threatened Mesoamerican oak tree species. The report (available in English and Spanish) focuses on 59 species in the region on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species assessed as either threatened or Data Deficient.

The analysis showed 16, or approximately one quarter, of the target species have less than 10% of their native range in protected areas. Climate change was identified as a threat for all 59 threatened or Data Deficient Mesoamerican oak species. Additionally, agriculture and residential or commercial development represented threats to 72% and 69% of the species, respectively.

With over a third not held in managed collections anywhere, and little protection of their native habitats, it’s crucial to preserve these keystone species for future generations. This study serves as a vital tool for land managers, governments and conservation partners to fill knowledge gaps and protect culturally, economically and ecologically important oaks in the region.