When we talk about the various environmental impacts humans have on our planet and refer to the loss of biodiversity, we usually think of fauna. However, there are also cases of extinct flora , both naturally and due to human activity. Extinct flora refers to those plant species that have completely disappeared from the face of the Earth.
In this article, we will delve into the reasons for this loss, the different types of extinct flora and some of the species that can no longer be found in nature. In addition, we will review how human intervention has accelerated this extinction process and the relevance of this problem today.
Reasons for the decline in biodiversity
The decline in biodiversity is a growing global concern. This problem intensifies over time due to the multiple environmental pressures affecting ecosystems. Variables such as habitat condition , weather patterns , and human activities are key determinants of species survival.
One of the main causes of this decline is the invasion and destruction of the natural habitat of plants and animals. Habitat is essential for the reproduction and survival of any species. When it is degraded or destroyed, populations struggle to adapt and, in many cases, are unable to survive in the long term. Logging, deforestation for agricultural use, and urban sprawl are clear examples of this problem. Thus, by losing their environment conducive to growth, flora faces extinction.
Types of extinct flora
Not all species disappear in the same way. There are different levels of flora extinction, and it is important to know them in order to understand the context of species that no longer exist or are on the verge of extinction:
- Extinct flora in the wild: This type of extinction occurs when a species is no longer present in natural habitats, but its specimens can be preserved in botanical gardens, controlled habitats or seed banks. An example of flora extinct in the wild is the franklinia, of which only a few specimens remain in ornamental cultivation.
- Extinct flora in its natural habitat: It refers to species that, although they have disappeared in a specific ecosystem, can still be found in other parts of the world. An example is the Astragalus baionensis, which has disappeared in some areas of Spain, but is still found in other regions of Europe.
- Completely extinct flora: It occurs when a species disappears completely, both in natural environments and in controlled habitats, and there are no records of its existence anywhere on the planet. An example is the Nesiota, also known as the Saint Helena olive tree.
Extinct flora species
Over the centuries, many plants have disappeared from nature. Some of them existed millions of years ago, while others became extinct in more recent times due to human intervention. Below, we will examine some species of extinct flora:
- Nesiota (Olivillo de Santa Helena): A shrub native to the island of Saint Helena, located in the Atlantic Ocean. This species disappeared due to massive deforestation of the island, which destroyed its natural habitat.
- Paschalococos disperta (Rapa Nui Palm): This palm, native to Easter Island, was felled indiscriminately for centuries to build canoes. It became extinct around 1650.
- Sophora Toromiro: A native shrub from Chile that grew up to 3 meters in height. In addition to being affected by deforestation, it was unable to adapt to the new environmental conditions of the region.
- Araucaria mirabilis: This conifer, native to Patagonia, existed approximately 160 million years ago. Although it is no longer alive, its fossils have been found in various parts of the world.
More species of extinct or endangered flora
In addition to the species mentioned above, there are others that have also played an important role in the history of ecosystems, but which, unfortunately, have disappeared or are critically endangered:
- Normania nava (Tenerife Tomatillo): Endemic to the Canary Islands, this semi-shrub plant disappeared due to its complicated reproductive biology and habitat loss.
- Astragalus algerianus: Although still found in Africa, this herbaceous plant can no longer be found in Spain, where it became extinct due to habitat loss and desertification.
- Laelia gouldiana: A showy Mexican flower that, despite being well known and cultivated in some places, has disappeared from the wild.
These cases of extinction are just a small part of a much larger problem affecting the entire planet. Today, it is estimated that there are more than 600 plant species that have disappeared in the last 250 years, and many more that are critically endangered due to irresponsible human activities.
One of the first documented extinctions was that of Cooksonia , a prehistoric plant that disappeared millions of years ago. Although this extinction is a natural phenomenon, it has increased dramatically with human activity, as demonstrated by the Juan Fernández sandalwood in Chile, or the plants that have disappeared on islands and in tropical areas due to deforestation.
Even today, species such as the bluebird ( Tecophilaea cyanocrocus ) have been rediscovered, but many of them are critically endangered and will disappear permanently if no action is taken to protect their habitats and curb human activity.
It is essential that efforts to preserve endangered plants continue, such as the creation of conservation programs, environmental education and international commitment to stop carbon emissions and deforestation. The extinction of species not only affects biodiversity, but also alters the natural cycles that make life on Earth possible.
We hope to raise awareness about the importance of extinct flora and the many species that face an uncertain future. Saving plants is not just a matter of aesthetics or biodiversity: it is a vital issue for the future of the planet and its natural balance.