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Last Tree on Earth: A Cliffhanger for a Species
16 Jul
Summary
- A single 150-year-old tree is the last of its species.
- Seeds were sent 11,000km to a UK seed bank for preservation.
- Habitat loss and invasive species threaten unique island ecosystems.
A single, approximately 150-year-old tree represents the last wild member of its species, clinging to a volcanic cliff on Chile's remote Robinson Crusoe Island. Conservationists undertake annual, dangerous climbs to collect seeds from this unique survivor.
In a recent breakthrough, around 400 seeds were collected. Most were flown over 11,000 kilometers to the Millennium Seed Bank at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in the UK. X-ray analysis confirmed embryo development in many, with some already germinating and others stored long-term.
This species, Dendroseris neriifolia, is endemic to the Juan Fernández Archipelago, known for its high biodiversity. However, isolation has made its ecosystems vulnerable to invasive species and feral animals, leading to a dramatic decline in native plants over the past century.
Seed banking is crucial for this species' future. The collected seeds are undergoing germination trials, propagation, and long-term storage, providing a genetic backup. However, true preservation requires habitat restoration and re-establishing the species in its natural environment.
The survival of Dendroseris neriifolia is vital for the unique ecosystem of the Juan Fernández Archipelago, which hosts many endemic species, including the critically endangered Juan Fernández firecrown hummingbird. The archipelago faces a high concentration of threatened plant species.
