Comprehensive tree assessments for prioritising conservation action in Mesoamerica

Societal Impact Statement: Tree species are of ecological and social importance globally. Mesoamerica has a diverse tree flora, and the region has experienced major changes in natural habitats due to human activities. In this study, for the first time, we assessed the conservation status of the region's tree species and found that 46% of trees in the region are at risk of extinction and that agriculture and logging are the major drivers of declines. The data collected can be used to prioritise the urgent conservation actions needed and influence policy to make sure these species are protected for generations to come. Summary: Mesoamerica has a large tree diversity, with over 4,000 species found only in the region. However, there has been an extensive land cover change, and until recently there was relatively little information available about the conservation status of the region's tree flora. International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List assessments were compiled for the trees of the region through the Global Tree Assessment, containing information on extinction risk and major threats to species. Comparisons were made between the maps of the species and protected areas and Key Biodiversity Areas as well as conservation action databases. These assessments show that 46% of the region's tree species are threatened with extinction. Threat levels vary by country and taxonomy. The majority of species are threatened by agriculture and logging. Few threatened species are reported in ex-situ collections or have on-going conservation actions. Most species have at least one occurrence within a protected area. Now there are comprehensive assessments for Mesoamerican trees, there is a need for targeted action to prevent species from extinction. This needs action on a variety of scales from species-specific conservation projects to the use of native and threatened tree species in large-scale tree planting as well as national-level policy. Cross-country collaboration is needed to prevent the extinction of non-single-country endemic species.