Kew's Millennium Seed Bank collected seeds from the last known wild Dendroseris neriifolia tree on Robinson Crusoe Island, Chile, to prevent its extinction
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Biotechnology & health research· Prelims·
Ex-situ conservation and international collaboration: a GS3 biodiversity and environmental protection case study.
Why in news
Kew's Millennium Seed Bank collected seeds from the last known wild Dendroseris neriifolia tree on Robinson Crusoe Island, Chile, to prevent its extinction.
Background
In May 2026, 29 seeds were collected from the last wild Dendroseris neriifolia tree. Eight seedlings germinated, with two being transferred to Logan Botanic Garden in Scotland for cultivation.
Facts for Prelims
- EnvironmentDendroseris neriifolia: A critically endangered tree daisy species from Chile.
- PlaceRobinson Crusoe Island: Location of the last known wild Dendroseris neriifolia tree.
- BodyKew's Millennium Seed Bank: Organization responsible for collecting and preserving the seeds.
- FactTwo seedlings of Dendroseris neriifolia were transferred to Logan Botanic Garden in Scotland.
Prelims practice question
With reference to the conservation of Dendroseris neriifolia, consider the following statements:
- The last known wild tree daisy was located on Robinson Crusoe Island in Chile.
- The seeds were collected from a wild tree daisy located in the Logan Botanic Garden.
- Kew's Millennium Seed Bank collected seeds to prevent the species from extinction.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)2 only
- (b)1 and 2 only
- (c)1 and 3 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only — Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: The seeds were collected from Robinson Crusoe Island; the seedlings were later transferred to Logan Botanic Garden.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the role of international seed banks and collaborative conservation efforts in preserving critically endangered flora against habitat degradation and invasive species.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Genetic diversity loss: Risk of inbreeding depression in small populations of critically endangered species
- Transboundary conservation: Challenges in coordinating international botanical preservation and legal protections
- Habitat degradation: Impact of invasive flora and grazing animals on endemic Chilean biodiversity
Keywords: ex-situ conservation · biodiversity loss · critically endangered · genetic preservation · invasive species
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