Why is Forest Ecosystems important?

Forest ecosystems are essential for sustaining life on Earth. They provide critical habitats for a diverse range of species, ensuring the survival of wildlife. For humans, forests offer invaluable resources such as clean air, fresh water, and medicinal plants. They also play a key role in climate regulation by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Protecting forests helps maintain ecological balance, supports sustainable livelihoods, and enhances the quality of life for all living beings.

Humans are the major problem for this ecosystem

Human activities like deforestation, agriculture, logging, climate change, and urbanization destroy habitats and disrupt forest ecosystems, threatening both wildlife and the essential services forests provide to humans.

Reports continue to highlight the threats and losses faced by relatively undisturbed native forest ecosystems. Recent estimates indicate that only about 25% of global forests, covering 11 million km², remain intact.

Animal Biodiversity

Deforestation damages animal biodiversity by causing habitat loss, fragmenting ecosystems, reducing food sources, increasing predation risks, and contributing to climate change. These impacts lead to a decline in species and push many towards extinction.

Damage outcome

Dung beetles thrive in Neotropical forests due to ideal conditions and play a key role in nutrient cycling and soil health. However, they are highly vulnerable to forest loss and increased hunting, which can disrupt the essential ecosystem services they provide. This highlights the need for further research into their community thresholds.