Half of world’s species of wild bamboo threatened: UN

PARIS – As many as half the world’s 1 200 wild species of bamboo may be in danger of extinction through deforestation, an event that would devastate animals like the panda which feed on this plant, according to a UN study released yesterday.

The 250 most vulnerable species of bamboo each have less than 2 000 square kilometres of forest, an area the size of London, which makes them highly vulnerable from logging, the study said. The report noted that “many extraordinary and vulnerable” species of wildlife would be at mortal peril in the event of bamboo extinction.They include mammals such as giant pandas, mountain gorillas, lemurs, Himalayan black bears and mountain tapirs, as well as dozens of species of birds and invertebrates.In Asia, bamboo shoots are a dietary staple for many, and worldwide the plant provides trade and subsistence use for 2,5 billion people.- Nampa-AFPThe report noted that “many extraordinary and vulnerable” species of wildlife would be at mortal peril in the event of bamboo extinction.They include mammals such as giant pandas, mountain gorillas, lemurs, Himalayan black bears and mountain tapirs, as well as dozens of species of birds and invertebrates.In Asia, bamboo shoots are a dietary staple for many, and worldwide the plant provides trade and subsistence use for 2,5 billion people.- Nampa-AFP