Plant ecologist Richard T. Corlett argues that preventing future land plant extinctions is achievable through several strategic actions: training more plant experts, creating an online “metaherbarium,” and establishing “microreserves.” With 21-48% of vascular plant species at risk due to factors such as land use changes and unsustainable harvesting, effective conservation is essential in both natural habitats and botanical gardens. Corlett emphasizes the challenge posed by a shortage of trained specialists, particularly in tropical regions, where many undetected species exist. To overcome issues of information access, he proposes an online database that would link digitized herbarium records, photographs, and recovery plans to facilitate collaborative conservation efforts. He highlights that while plants are crucial for our ecosystems, they remain undervalued compared to animals, despite being easier and less expensive to protect. Corlett envisions that self-sustaining populations in protected areas are ideal for supporting ongoing evolution amidst environmental changes. He warns of “dark extinctions,” where species vanish unnoticed, reinforcing the need for more research and resources dedicated to plant conservation. Ultimately, Corlett attributes the potential for zero plant extinctions to increased collaboration and dedication at multiple levels.
