A fifth of the world's plant species are threatened with extinction, due primarily to human activity, according to a study published this week.
Scientists from London's Natural History Museum, Britain's Botanic Gardens at Kew and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), determined that more than 22% of plant species globally are endangered, critically endangered or vulnerable.
The researchers said this is the first such global accounting to be attempted and that it will serve as a baseline for future studies and conservation efforts.
The greatest number of plants at risk are in tropical regions where rainforests are being replaced with palm plantations and pasture for cattle.
The study precedes the United Nations' biodiversity summit to be held in Japan in October.
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