Forests Aid Species Facing Extinction

One Tree Planted focuses on restoring forests worldwide to benefit both nature and local communities. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature assesses over 48,600 species as threatened with extinction, with amphibians, sharks, corals, and mammals particularly vulnerable. Trees provide essential resources like food and shelter, even after death, supporting complex ecosystems.

In Hawaii, the endangered Hawaiian Hoary Bat—the last native land mammal—requires roughly 40 acres of restored forest per breeding pair. Similarly, the critically endangered Philippine Eagle needs 4,000 to 11,000 hectares of continuous canopy to thrive. The Eastern Monarch butterfly population has declined over 80% since the 1990s, and its overwintering habitat in Mexico is severely diminished.

Though reforestation takes time—decades for some species—efforts in places like Nova Scotia aim to restore wood turtle habitat by planting native trees along riverbanks. The work is ongoing, and full recovery will require sustained commitment.