Over-exploitation

Prunus africana in Cameroon (Photo: © Kew)

Over-exploitation by humans is another serious threat. This includes localised problems due to the overuse of plants by communities for local use, and the bigger problems associated with international trade in certain products.

As an illustration, 25,000 species of plants are recognised as threatened in this way by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

The use of plants for medicines is a key issue with a growth in global sales of 10-20% over the last decade. In Europe, TRAFFIC International has recognised 150 European plant species that could be at risk of over-collection in the wild for medicinal consumption. In Africa more than 3,500 tonnes of African Cherry (Prunus africana) bark are removed each year and exported to Europe for the herbal extract trade.

Orchids are at risk from over-exploitation by collectors

Another key issue is the over-collection of plants from the wild for ornamental uses. This is a particular problem for orchids, palms and succulents.