The Red List of the endemic and subendemic trees of Central Africa presents the results of the IUCN Red List evaluation of all 347 tree taxa with a distribution confined to, or almost confined to, Central Africa (Democratic Republic of the Congo – Rwanda – Burundi).

The publication finds that 221 (64%) regional endemic trees are at risk of extinction.

Of these, 34 (10%) are Critically Endangered, of which 25 may already be extinct. Agriculture, livestock farming, and logging are the main global threats. Climate change impacts are emerging, and in Central Africa, charcoal production and mining also provide major pressures.

The report also provides an overview of all Protected Areas (PAs) in the region and the (sub)endemic tree taxa they contain. Management plans can now be adjusted and improved taking this information into account. Focused action is needed to ensure the survival of threatened tree species. Several other recommendations are also listed in the report.

This work contributes to the Global Tree Assessment and was led by Meise Botanic Gardens, with contributions from individuals at other botanical institutions and gardens.

This text is taken from the release of the report which you can access from the link below. Please also use this to download the full report.