Conker trees among scores of species at risk of extinction, report warns

CONKER trees are among scores of species at risk of extinction, a report warns.

The horse chestnut joins more than 150 types of tree under threat across Europe.

The decline is another big blow to conkers fans who have seen a slump in the popular playground game due to health and safety bans.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, 168 of the 454 species of native tree in Europe may die out.

Horse chestnuts are classed as vulnerable to extinction, the highest level of threat after critically endangered and endangered.

Experts say the decline is due to attacks by the leaf-miner moth.

The moth, which has spread across Europe from the Balkans, is an invasive species whose caterpillars feed inside and damage tree leaves.

Although found across Europe, the horse chestnut is native to Bulgaria, Greece, Albania and the Republic of North Macedonia.

In that region the tree is also threatened by logging and forest fires.

Also critically endangered are three species of whitebeam recently discovered in Cheddar, Somerset.

Analysis found more than a fifth of land molluscs, such as snails, and bryophytes, plants such as mosses, liverworts and hornworts and almost half of shrubs are under threat.

The Red List’s Craig Hilton-Taylor said: “It is alarming. Trees are essential for life.

“We all need to work together to ensure their survival.”

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