Scientists Rush to Save One of the World's Rarest Trees as It Literally Falls Off a Cliff

Conservationists are collecting seeds from the only surviving wild specimen of Dendroseris neriifolia, a rare tree native to Chile’s Juan Fernández Islands. The tree clings to the side of a cliff on Robinson Crusoe Island, an extremely remote location off the coast of Chile. A giant net is used to recover seeds, and X-ray analysis identifies 25 potentially viable seeds out of 29 recovered. Seven seedlings are already establishing, offering a chance for survival. The species has suffered from habitat loss, invasive species, and unsuccessful past reintroduction efforts. By 1980, only seven wild specimens remained, and later recovery attempts in the 1990s and early 2000s did not succeed. Only one specimen remains growing at a botanic garden in Chile.

"A photo shared by the Royal Botanic Gardens in the UK shows conservationists reaching out with a giant net in an attempt to recover seeds from the last known wild specimen of the Dendroseris neriifolia tree, native to Chile's Juan Fernández Islands."

"Twenty-nine seeds were recovered, 25 of which were identified to be potentially viable according to an X-ray analysis by scientists at the Botanic Gardens. Seven seedlings are already establishing, so the last-ditch effort may have a chance of paying off."

"The tree species has been heavily affected by habitat loss, encroaching invasive species, and failed attempts to ensure its survival, according to a statement by the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, near London, UK."

"By 1980, only seven surviving wild specimens remained following dramatic population declines. Park rangers attempted to recover the species in the 1990s, and reintroduction efforts in the early 2000s ultimately proved unfruitful."

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