Tropical Rainforest Quality Decreasing – Urgent Action Needed

Recent studies highlight a concerning decline in the quality of tropical rainforests. Only 25 per cent of these forests maintain high ecological integrity. This decline threatens biodiversity, particularly for vulnerable species. The findings tell the need for immediate conservation efforts.

About Tropical Rainforest Integrity

Tropical rainforests are vital ecosystems. They house over 16,000 terrestrial species. High integrity forests have a complex structure. They consist of multiple layers – the under-storey, mid-storey, and emergent layer. Low integrity forests show signs of degradation. They often lack tall and medium trees. This degradation impacts biodiversity .

Impact of Human Activity

Human activities have severely affected forest quality. Logging, urbanisation, and agriculture contribute to forest degradation. Satellite data reveals that while many areas appear forested, only a fraction is of high quality. For instance, the golden bowerbird’s habitat seems intact but only 36 per cent is high quality.

Species at Risk

Threatened species face the greatest risk. Research indicates that only 8 per cent of their habitat remains in good condition. For example, just 9 per cent of remaining tropical forests for threatened birds are of high integrity. This stark contrast reveals the urgent need for targeted conservation strategies.

Forest Structural Integrity Index

Researchers developed the Forest Structural Integrity Index (FSII). This index measures the condition of forests based on various factors. It assesses tree height, canopy cover, and human impact. The FSII helps identify areas needing immediate protection. It marks that low integrity forests encompass 69 per cent of species ranges.

Conservation Strategies Required

Current conservation strategies are inadequate. Simply maintaining forest cover is not enough. Effective strategies must focus on forest quality. The study suggests that protecting high-integrity forests is crucial for biodiversity conservation. This requires banning harmful activities and enabling forest recovery.

Global Biodiversity Framework

The 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework aims to protect biodiversity. It calls for near-zero loss of high biodiversity areas by 2030. Achieving these targets requires enhanced efforts to combat deforestation. The urgency to act is evident as many species face extinction.

Call to Action

The findings serve as a wake-up call. Immediate action is necessary to secure the habitat of endangered species. Stopping deforestation alone will not suffice. Comprehensive measures are needed to protect and restore tropical rainforests.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically discuss the impact of deforestation on biodiversity in tropical rainforests.
2. Examine the role of the Forest Structural Integrity Index in assessing forest quality.
3. Estimate the consequences of losing high integrity forests on vulnerable species populations.
4. Analyse the effectiveness of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in halting biodiversity loss.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically discuss the impact of deforestation on biodiversity in tropical rainforests.

1. Deforestation leads to habitat loss, reducing the space available for wildlife.
2. It disrupts ecological balance, affecting species interactions and food webs.
3. Threatened species experience the most severe impacts, with only 8% of their habitat in good condition.
4. Degraded forests often support fewer species, diminishing overall biodiversity.
5. Continued deforestation increases extinction risks for many species reliant on high-quality habitats.

2. Examine the role of the Forest Structural Integrity Index in assessing forest quality.

1. The Forest Structural Integrity Index (FSII) evaluates forest conditions based on tree height and canopy cover.
2. It identifies areas of high integrity crucial for supporting diverse wildlife populations.
3. FSII helps quantify the impact of human activities on forest structure and health.
4. By revealing low integrity areas, it guides targeted conservation efforts.
5. The index emphasizes the importance of forest quality, not just cover, in biodiversity conservation.

3. Estimate the consequences of losing high integrity forests on vulnerable species populations.

1. Loss of high integrity forests reduces suitable habitats for vulnerable species, leading to population declines.
2. Only 9% of remaining forests for threatened birds maintain high quality, exacerbating extinction risks.
3. Species with small geographic ranges are disproportionately affected, as they rely on specific habitat conditions.
4. Decreased habitat quality leads to reduced reproductive success and increased mortality rates.
5. Overall biodiversity declines, affecting ecosystem services that benefit all species, including humans.

4. Analyse the effectiveness of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in halting biodiversity loss.

1. The framework aims for near-zero loss of high biodiversity areas by 2030, setting ambitious conservation targets.
2. It encourages nations to enhance efforts against deforestation and habitat degradation.
3. However, success depends on the implementation of comprehensive measures beyond mere forest cover maintenance.
4. Effective monitoring and enforcement are crucial to ensure compliance and measure progress.
5. The framework serves as a catalyst for global cooperation, but its effectiveness hinges on political will and action.