Preventing species extinctions: A global conservation consortium for <i>Erica</i>

Societal Impact Statement Human-caused habitat destruction and transformation is resulting in a cascade of impacts to biological diversity, which arguably the most fundamental species extinctions. The Global Conservation Consortia (GCC) are means pool efforts expertise across national boundaries between disciplines attempt prevent such losses focal plant groups. GCC Erica coordinates an international response extinction threats one group, heaths, or heathers, hundreds found only South Africa's spectacularly diverse Cape Floristic Region. Summary Effectively combating biodiversity crisis requires coordinated conservation efforts. Botanic Gardens International (BGCI) numerous partners have established collaboratively develop implement comprehensive strategies for priority threatened Through these networks, institutions with specialised collections staff can leverage ongoing work optimise impact species. genus poses challenge similar scale that largest other Rhododendron, but almost 700 around 800 known concentrated single hotspot, Region (CFR) Africa. Many be threatened, suffering immediate destruction, invasive species, changes natural fire regimes climate change. Efforts counter face general challenges: disproportionate burden situ falling on minority community, limited knowledge species-rich groups, shortfalls assessing monitoring threat, lack resources limitations ex communicating value diversity public who may never encounter it wild. brings together world's experts, conservationists botanical including botanic gardens, seed banks organisations Africa, Madagascar, Europe, United States, Australia beyond. We pooling our unique sets skills address challenges working groups prioritisation, situ, horticulture, banking, systematic research outreach.