Scientists say that many of world's plants are in danger of dying out – of becoming extinct. Dr Paul Smith, from Botanic Gardens Conservation International, said one in five of world's plants is in danger of extinction. world's botanic gardens contain about 100,000 species, including third of all the world's endangered plants. Botanic gardens help to protect around 40 per cent of endangered species of plants. They contain many of rarest plants. Dr Smith said: "This is first time that we have carried out global assessment to look at wide range of plants grown, managed and conserved in botanic gardens. For first time we know what we have and, perhaps more importantly, what is missing from botanic gardens."
Researcher Dr Samuel Brockington said world's botanic gardens were best hope for saving world's most endangered plants. He said: "Currently, estimated one-fifth of plant diversity is under threat, yet there is no technical reason why any plant species should become extinct." Dr Brockington warned that if we do not protect endangered plants, people could have trouble finding food and fuel in future. He said: "If we do not conserve our plant diversity, humanity will struggle to solve global challenges of food and fuel security…and climate change." Most of plants are in danger because of humans cutting down forests for farming and cities, and because of pests and climate change.
