Let's Not Forget About Plants!

When thinking of conservation efforts, plants tend to get the back burner.  While doing research for a Cincinnati conservation paper, I had the opportunity to interview a horticulturalist who works at the zoo and joins in many plant conservation efforts.  During the interview he mentioned that most people tend to associate conservation or the “save the ___” theme with the cute and cuddly.  For instance, polar bears, tigers, gorillas, and the like get the conservation focus.  However, plants can also be endangered or threatened and need a conservation focus. 

Like endangered or threatened animals, plants also face the same obstacles when it comes to survival.  Both share the same causes of extinction and have the potential for mutual conservation efforts.  Many plants are listed as endangered or threatened due to logging (either direct or indirect), invasive species, or believe it or not, illegal trading.  That’s right…plants can also be poached and sold online.   One example of this I mentioned in my “Earth Day” post with the Gibson guitars. 

One endangered plant that many recognize is the Venus Fly Trap.  This carnivorous plant is endangered due to poaching and illegal trade.  I have attached the link to the article from ABC News.

 http://abcnews.go.com/US/endangered-venus-flytrap-poached-profit/story?id=15444075