Climate change threatens many plant species' ranges

Science

ThePrint

Researchers who published in Science analyzed millions of plant location records and greenhouse gas emissions scenarios for 2081–2100 and estimated that 7% to 16% of plant species could lose more than 90% of their range, putting them at high extinction risk. Examples include Catalina ironwood, bluish spike-moss and about one third of eucalyptus species. The study found that limited dispersal is not the main cause, since allowing unlimited movement yielded similar extinction rates, meaning suitable habitat is shrinking. Regions at risk include the Arctic, dry western US and southern and eastern coastal Australia, while about 28% of land may see local diversity gains.

7–16% of plant species may lose over 90% of their range.