The Conservation Gap Analysis of Select Native Asian Oaks reveals over half of native ranges are under human pressure, with many species lacking backup in botanical collections. The report prioritizes oak conservation efforts in Southeast and East Asia, focusing on regions with high human impact and limited protected area coverage.
A new study by The Morton Arboretum reveals that oaks rapidly diversified in the Americas when they encountered high-elevation terrain, forming a unique biodiversity hotspot. This is supported by data from 322 of the world's approximately 450 oak species, with Mexico and Central America home to at least 160 different oaks.
The Chicago Botanic Garden and The Morton Arboretum have pledged to protect endangered species such as Cucharillo and Stone's Paphiopedilum through collaborative conservation strategies. These institutions will co-host the 9th Global Botanic Gardens Congress in 2027 to accelerate crucial conservation work.
Luke McCormack, a Tree Root Biologist at The Morton Arboretum, has been recognized as one of the most cited and influential researchers worldwide. He leads the Root Biology Lab, examining root strategies to help trees cope with waterlogging and drought stress.
The Morton Arboretum will receive $15 million in federal funding to expand and improve tree canopy in disadvantaged communities. The Chicago Region Trees Initiative will award sub-grants to support equitable access to trees and bolster resilience to climate change.
The IUCN Species Survival Commission has recognized two iconic Chicago institutions as Centers for Species Survival, elevating the region's role in biodiversity conservation. Shedd Aquarium and The Morton Arboretum will collaborate on projects highlighting aquatic and terrestrial linkages in Central American biodiversity hotspots.
The comprehensive U.S. tree species assessment highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect America's native trees. With 11-16% of tree species threatened with extinction, invasive pests and diseases are identified as the primary threats, emphasizing the importance of collaborative conservation strategies.
Researchers have discovered a lone Quercus tardifolia tree in Big Bend National Park, Texas, which was thought to be extinct. The tree's poor condition highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect its genetic variation and adapt it to environmental changes.
New research reveals ancient trees' vital role in maintaining forest adaptive capacity. These 'life history lottery winners' harbor essential genetic diversity passed on through generations.
The article reviews macrogenetics, a field that uses big data to identify global drivers of genetic diversity and answer fundamental biodiversity questions. Macrogeneticists aim to inform sustainable policies by analyzing large-scale patterns, settling long-standing debates among scientists.
Researchers have assembled a comprehensive checklist of Panama's tree species, including their estimated geographic ranges, providing a quantitative basis for assessing extinction risk and guiding conservation efforts. The study found that 16.2% of Panama's tree species had ranges less than 20,000 km2, signaling endangered status.
A study published in Proceedings B found that many plant collections fall short of ambitious targets for conserving genetic diversity of rare species. The researchers recommend optimizing use of limited garden space and collecting from the right plants to capture more genetic diversity.
A landmark 10-article collection clarifies oak evolution from deep roots to recent adaptations, identifying key genes involved in resistance to pathogens and genomic evidence for 56 million years of oak evolution. The study provides valuable insights into tree biology, particularly in response to rapid environmental change.
A study published in New Phytologist reveals the evolutionary history of oaks, showing that different lineages are driven by distinct sets of genes. The research highlights the key role oaks play in supporting ecosystems and provides insights into conservation efforts.
Researchers have developed a new approach to conserving tree species, focusing on increasing genetic diversity and efficiency in protection. The method can be tailored for successful conservation of any species, including custom-tailored seed collection protocols.
Researchers have solved the mystery of the geographic origins of American oaks by finding that red and white oaks diverged simultaneously from a single species 45 million years ago. This common ancestor gave rise to two distinct lineages, which then radiated into different ecological spaces across North America.
A recent study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences reveals that Eurasian white oaks arose from a North American ancestor that migrated to Europe. The research also shows that two oak species found on opposite ends of the globe are closest relatives and part of a widespread white oak lineage.