iCONic: A Cause for Concern

iCONic: A Cause for Concern Over half of the world’s ca 722 species of conifers are threatened with extinction in the wild. The causes of this frightening statistic include illegal logging, uncontrolled forest fires, over-grazing by animals, habitat loss through degradation and conversion to other uses, such as mining, and global climate change.

Conifers are a vitally important group of plants to humans. They are key components of many important ecosystems and natural landscapes, such as the northern boreal forests which act as huge carbon sinks.

When sustainably managed, conifers provide timber for construction and fuel. Some conifers produce edible seeds (pine nuts). More recently, several groups of conifers have been found to contain important chemicals that can be used in anti-cancer drugs, for example the yews (Taxus species) and some of its close relatives.

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Craigvinean Pine Cone Point © Ronald Weir

Craigvinean Forest

The Scots pine is planted widely for timber and has helped increase the population of the crossbill.

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