Conservation of Plant Species

Abstract

This Chapter reviews the conservation of native plant species in the U.S. It sets out the number of plant species that are under threat according to the main conservation assessment systems. The fundamental importance of understanding the distribution of native plants, their relative abundance, and the threats they face is acknowledged. The impact of climate change on conservation status of plant species, including species already identified as rare and threatened by other factors is discussed. Two broad forms of plant conservation are described, with conservation of the species in its natural habitat or in situ conservation usually considered the preferred option. Ex situ conservation, the conservation of a species outside its current, natural habitat, provides an essential backup enabling research, propagation, and ideally reintroduction to enhance wild populations. The different organizations conducting in situ and ex situ conservation of plants are reviewed.