ABS & Its Conservation Initiatives

Species begonias have evolved on their own over many years, to adapt to the specific natural habitat where they live. Unfortunately, because of worldwide impacts such as global climate change and deforestation, Begonia species are increasingly vulnerable in their native habitats. Further, some species are at risk due to “poaching” of these remarkable begonias for sales to collectors. All of this makes it difficult, or impossible, for species to repopulate, and place these begonias in a vulnerable or endangered conservation status.

As researchers make field expeditions to study begonias, they witness first-hand the destruction of natural habitats.

There are several ways to learn about the vulnerability of Begonia species. A great place to start is the International Union for Conservation of Nature, which publishes the Red List of Threatened Species and categorizes vulnerability of species.

ABS Efforts to support Conservation of Endangered Species

ABS, through its membership, generous volunteer work, and financial donations, supports conservation efforts worldwide to research Begonia species, including identifying conservation issues impacting Begonia species.

Habitat Destruction Sulawesi, Indonesia | Photo: Wisnu H. Ardi

ABS provides grants for a range of conservation initiatives, from supporting field expeditions of Begonia researchers to supporting the efforts of botanical gardens to grow Begonia species outside of their natural habitats (ex situ), such as that done by the Ft. Worth Botanic Garden and its Begonia Species Bank, the largest Begonia collection in North America.

How can you, or your branch, be a part of this effort?

One simple and easy way to play a part is to Donate to the American Begonia Society’s diverse efforts towards conservation.

There are also other ways YOU can participate in, and support conservation:

Donation

$
$