Threats or Importance
Overexploitation of Biological Resources
Ginkgo trees are living fossils. Their fruit are food for animals such as leopard cats, badgers, and historically, dinosaurs. The past decline of ginkgo trees might be caused by deforestation, as well as the extinction of some seed dispersers. Though these trees are still commonly seen around the world, most are cultivated and the wild populations only remain in Zhejiang, China. Being the only survivor from a distinct, ancient group of plants, ginkgo trees enhance our understanding of plant evolution. Due to their uniqueness, toughness and longevity, they are also culturally important and are considered sacred in Buddhism.
