Meta-analysis of Red List conservation assessments of Mexican endemic and near endemic tree species shows nearly two thirds of these are threatened

Societal Impact Statement Mexico's extraordinary tree diversity is threatened by the increasing demand for resources because of the tenfold population growth in the last century. The conservation status of trees and both urban and rural livelihoods are also negatively affected by agriculture, mining and tourism. Nearly 60% of the Mexican endemic and near endemic tree species whose conservation status we have assessed for the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature are threatened, almost double the percentage of threatened trees worldwide. If no measures are taken to protect this tree diversity properly, these resources will be forever lost for human sustainability. Mexico is floristically the fourth most species-rich country in the world. Currently, 3620 native tree species are reported from this country. Mexico has been a forerunner at global level in recognising the need for plant conservation, yet this is in stark contrast with governmental programmes and actions, past and present that negatively affect(ed) immense areas of primary vegetation. In the framework of the Global Tree Assessment, to date, we have assessed the conservation status of nearly 1500 Mexican endemic and near endemic tree species for the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, the distribution data of which we use here for a first meta-analysis of conservation statuses and spatial distribution patterns in a newly delimited area we call Natural Mexico. Our database consists of 112,416 taxonomically and geographically very carefully curated distribution points of 1474 tree species endemic to Mexico and adjacent areas, belonging to 98 flowering plant families. The extensive curation methodology we consider essential for both research and conservation purposes is emphasised. Nearly 60% of the assessed tree species are threatened, almost double the percentage of threatened arborescent species at global level. Tropical rainforests and cloud forests house the highest proportions of threatened trees. These assessments have an extensive impact, as they not only are the starting point of urgent species conservation actions but also allow for comprehensive studies including extinction risk estimation, gap analyses for conservation planning and species reintroductions, all this in a framework of land use change, climate change and landscape composition and configuration.

Automated summary

The extraordinary tree diversity in Mexico is threatened by increasing resource demand due to population growth. Nearly 60% of assessed Mexican endemic tree species are threatened, almost double the global average. Without protection, these resources may be lost forever.