A third of African tropical plants risk extinction: Study

The video discusses the risk of extinction faced by African plant species, with 33% potentially at risk. Researchers used IUCN criteria and developed an algorithm to assess over 20,000 species. Regions like Ethiopia, West Africa, Tanzania, and the Congo are most vulnerable, with over 40% of local flora threatened. Key threats include deforestation, climate change, and population growth, particularly affecting ecoregions in West Africa.

What percentage of African plant species are estimated to be at risk of extinction?

• 50%

• 70%

• 10%

• 33%

Which criteria did researchers focus on to assess the extinction risk of African plant species?

• Habitat decline and future population reduction

• Climate change and pollution

• Invasive species and disease

• Deforestation and urbanization

Which of the following regions is NOT mentioned as particularly vulnerable to plant species extinction?

• Ethiopia

• West Africa

• Central Tanzania

• Northern Kenya

What types of plants are included in the species at risk of extinction?

• Ferns and mosses

• Local trees, herbs, lianas, and shrubs

• Cacti and succulents

• Aquatic plants

What are the main threats to the plant species in the identified ecoregions?

• Overfishing and water pollution

• Pesticides and herbicides

• Deforestation, climate change, and population growth

• Mining and soil erosion