As deforestation continues, researchers in Borneo have discovered vital thresholds for logging that can guide conservation efforts.
Every minute, over 5 acres of rainforest, the equivalent of three football pitches, disappears from the Amazon. As the planet grapples with the sixth mass extinction and climate change, the question of how to manage these degraded forests becomes increasingly pressing. A new study, published in *Nature*, offers valuable insights into the delicate balance of logging and biodiversity in tropical forests.
Researchers at an experimental forest in Borneo meticulously monitored over 1,600 species of plants and animals across areas with varying levels of logging. This unprecedented study, spanning over a decade, allowed them to observe how different species reacted to deforestation.
The findings reveal a startling truth: even minimal logging can trigger significant changes in a forest's ecosystem. Almost a quarter of species studied showed altered presence patterns after even the lightest logging, indicating a sensitive response to human intervention.
However, the study also identifies a critical threshold at around 30% biomass loss. Beyond this point, the number of affected species plateaus, suggesting a potential for forest resilience if logging is kept below this limit.
The study's authors propose that areas with less than 30% deforestation could be eligible for conservation measures, similar to those applied to pristine forests. This landmark finding could redefine our approach to forest management, acknowledging that even moderately logged areas can still play a crucial role in safeguarding biodiversity.
Beyond conservation, the research provides valuable insights for restoration efforts. The study identifies two key zones where restoration projects would have the greatest impact: areas with less than 30% biomass loss and those with over 70% loss.
This means that focusing restoration efforts on these zones, where biodiversity is most sensitive to changes, could yield significant benefits. The research advocates for a nuanced approach to forest management, acknowledging that restoration efforts can be targeted to maximize their impact.
While pristine forests remain the ideal, the study challenges the binary view of 'worth preserving' and 'not worth preserving.' It underscores the importance of understanding how logging impacts different species and ecosystems, paving the way for more informed and sustainable forest management practices.
