Failure to recognize such truths will lead to our downfall. Human self interest requires that we cease to exploit nature so systematically. An ethic based on the rights of nature approach, however, raises more questions than it answers. But animals are by nature incapable of this. And since they are unable to know, respect, or exercise rights, the principle of rights simply can't be applied to, or by, animals.
Rights are, by their nature, based on a homocentric view of the world.
However, if those rights are to be protected by human institutions it will be because humans are the repository of those rights. Individuals can include the welfare or preferences of trees within their own set of preferences and thus grant those rights to the trees. But those rights will only exist because the individuals have rights. Such a course will surely lead to greater control and power by the organized environmental special interests. The fanaticism and fervor of the movement has already left us with some rather disturbing rules and regulations.