Study reveals oak tree thought to be extinct are now in immediate need of conservation

Jul 09, 2022

New Delhi, July 09 (ANI): According to a new study, botanical researchers revealed that oak tree once were thought to be extinct, and now are in immediate need of conservation within Big Bend National Park in Texas. Researchers headed by The Morton Arboretum and United States Botanic Garden (USBG) were thrilled to find a lone Quercus taurifolia (Q. tardifolia) tree standing about 30 feet tall, though it is in poor condition. First described in the 1930s, the last living specimen was believed to have perished in 2011. According to Westwood, Q. tardifolia is considered one of, if not the rarest oak in the world. Scientists anticipate that by studying why this tree is going extinct they may be able to protect other organisms from the same fate. Whether or not this specimen of Q. tardifolia can be saved remains in question.