New research helps boost conservation of Mexican cloud forests

Date: 21 November 2011

New report on Mexican cloud forests co-authored by BU’s Professor Adrian Newton.

Bournemouth University’s Professor Adrian Newton has co-authored a new report into the endangered status of many tree species in Mexico’s cloud forest which will help with conservation planning.

‘The Red List of Mexican Cloud Forest Trees’ is based on recent research from a collaboration of experts including Professor Newton and details the ‘International Union for Conservation of Nature’ (IUCN) conservation status of 762 tree species.

The cloud forests of Mexico are mostly found on steep slopes and protected ravines in tropical and subtropical mountain areas. These forests are rich in botanical variety diversity, with over 2,800 recorded plant species.

The research also looked at potential uses for each tree species in the hope that it will help promote sustainable resource management and conservation in the future. Parts of trees found in the forest are used to make products ranging from baseball bats to toothpaste.

The new report will provide a scientific foundation for building conservation strategies.

Sarah Oldfield, Chair of the IUCN/Species Survival Commission Global Tree Specialist Group said: “The collection of information on tree species of conservation concern is vital for planning conservation action and the restoration of forest ecosystems. The results of this assessment indicate that over 60 per cent of the trees of Mexican cloud forests are threatened with extinction. Clearly action must be taken to conserve and restore the forests.”