WILD MAPLE TREES NEED CONSERVATION

Oxford, Sept. 23: One in five maple species is threatened in the wild, according to the first full assessment of extinction risks. Known for the vivid colour of their autumn leaves, the trees are popular in parks and gardens.

But in their natural habitats, they face a myriad of threats, including unsustainable logging, climate change, deforestation and forest fires.

Botanists are calling for urgent action to protect rare maple trees. And they say seeds should be stored as an insurance policy against extinction. The assessment of all 158 species of maple is part of an effort to map the conservation status of all tree species by the end of 2020.

It was carried out by the group, Botanic Gardens Conservation International. Conservation manager Dan Crowley told BBC News: "Maples are some of our most familiar trees, particularly in autumn when they give us those wonderful displays of yellow, orange, red and purple colours.

"And whilst they are common in some of our open spaces, spaces where they are highly valued, several species are also highly threatened in the wild."

The scientists say action is needed to ensure there is active conservation in protected forests where maples grow.