Environmental Studies and Forestry

Climate change and land use threaten global hotspots of phylogenetic endemism for trees

W. Guo, J. M. Serra-diaz, et al.

This groundbreaking study by Wen-Yong Guo and colleagues uncovers the spatial patterns of tree species' phylogenetic endemism, revealing critical hotspots primarily in low-to-mid latitudes. These areas, driven by climate and historical stability, face significant threats from land-use and climate change. As many hotspots lie outside protected regions, the findings emphasize an urgent need for enhanced conservation efforts to safeguard our tree diversity.