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What is an Endangered Rainforest?

D. Nelson
D. Nelson

An endangered rainforest is a rainforest in which the vegeatation, ecosystem, and animals are in danger of extinction. A rainforest is defined as any forest with a high annual rainfall. As much of 45% of all the world's animal species are said to live in rainforests. Rainforests are also responsible for about 28% of the earth's oxygen turnover. Oxygen turnover, in this case, refers to the process of photosynthesis, in which plants convert carbon dioxide into stored carbon.

An endangered rainforest may be classified as such for a number of different reasons. Some rainforests, such as Great Bear Rainforest, are in danger because of the logging industry. In these cases, a large percentage of the trees are cleared for the commercial use of the lumber. This act makes the rainforest an endangered area by destroying the habitat of the many species of wildlife that live there. The clearing of trees also impairs the migration routes of many animals.

A waterfall on the island of Tasmania, which has some of the largest temperate rainforests in the Southern hemisphere.
A waterfall on the island of Tasmania, which has some of the largest temperate rainforests in the Southern hemisphere.

Another factor that may lead to a rainforest becoming endangered is the introduction of non-native plants and animal species into the rainforest ecosystem. Plants and animals that are not native to the habitat will create an endangered ecosystem by severely altering the habitat, making it difficult for native species to co-exist. In some cases, non-native animals that are introduced into rainforests will prey on the native species.

The vegetation, ecosystem and animals within an endangered rainforest are at risk of becoming extinct.
The vegetation, ecosystem and animals within an endangered rainforest are at risk of becoming extinct.

In countries such as Brazil, the endangered rainforest is the result of a number of different factors related to the growth of industry. Tourism, for example, may lead to the building of highways through a threatened rainforest. Other times, cattle ranchers might build in the rainforest.

There is much debate as to how long the rainforests can survive in the modern world. Some scientists have argued that rainforests will become obsolete in about 100 years if action are not taken. Some scientists have argued that we are in danger of losing all the world's rainforests within 75 years. Government regulations, community activism, and some voluntary changes in corporate practice have proven successful at helping to reforest some areas of endangered rainforest, though.

There are a number of groups dedicated to preserving the world's endangered rainforests and rainforest species. Groups such as the Rainforest Foundation Fund have raised money to campaign against destruction of rainforests by working with governments to protect these ecosystems. These funds also campaign to protect the rights and lifestyles of the indigenous peoples who live in the rainforests.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifies a rainforest as being endangered?

A rainforest is considered endangered when it faces significant threats that could lead to its destruction or substantial degradation. These threats include deforestation, climate change, mining, and agriculture expansion. When the ecosystem's health is compromised, its ability to support diverse life forms diminishes, pushing it towards endangerment.

Why are endangered rainforests important to protect?

Endangered rainforests are crucial for biodiversity, housing an estimated 50% of the world's species. They play a vital role in regulating the global climate by absorbing carbon dioxide, and they are also a source of medicines and resources for indigenous communities. Protecting them maintains ecological balance and supports human livelihoods.

What are the main causes of rainforest endangerment?

The primary causes of rainforest endangerment include illegal logging, unsustainable agricultural practices, mining, infrastructure development, and climate change. These activities lead to habitat loss and fragmentation, which are detrimental to the survival of countless species and the health of the global environment.

How much rainforest is lost each year?

According to the World Wildlife Fund, the Earth loses 18.7 million acres of forests annually, equivalent to 27 soccer fields every minute. This alarming rate of deforestation significantly impacts rainforests, with the Amazon alone losing approximately 17% of its forest cover in the last 50 years.

What can individuals do to help protect endangered rainforests?

Individuals can contribute to protecting endangered rainforests by reducing paper and wood consumption, choosing products with sustainable palm oil, supporting rainforest-friendly businesses, and donating to organizations that work to conserve forest habitats. Educating oneself and others about the importance of rainforests also fosters greater environmental stewardship.

Are there any success stories in rainforest conservation?

Yes, there are several success stories in rainforest conservation. For instance, Costa Rica has doubled its forest cover from 26% in 1983 to over 52% today through concerted reforestation efforts and eco-tourism. Similarly, the Brazilian Amazon saw a decrease in deforestation by approximately 70% from 2004 to 2017 due to government policies and conservation initiatives.

Discussion Comments

bythewell

@browncoat - The bigger threat to rainforests in modern times is actually climate change. Rainforests are in a very delicate balance with the weather, which is why they are almost impossible to recreate once they have been cut down. They provide the conditions they need to survive, such as heavy humidity.

If the climate changes too much the forests will probably end up dying off because they just can't cope with it. And that will take out all the endangered rainforest species at the same time.

browncoat

@irontoenail - That's why scientists today are so very careful about biological border controls. There are so many endangered species in the rainforests all over the world that we don't even know about yet. They still go on expeditions into the Papua New Guinea rain forests every few years and discover birds and frogs that no one has ever seen before.

But if a species like rats is introduced to a place where they didn't evolve, they can spread much more quickly than humans and pose a threat to fauna and flora we aren't even aware of yet.

irontoenail

I visited a temperate rainforest in the South Island of New Zealand once and there was a species which had been introduced that was destroying the whole ecosystem. Actually, there were several and the one people often think of is the possum, or the house-cat, both of which are problems in that country.

But in this particular forest most of the wildlife lived either directly or indirectly from the sweet sap that the trees produced. And the introduction of European wasps was endangering that system, because they were eating all the sap and not leaving any for the other creatures.

It's not something that you could ever really predict would happen either. It's not like those idiots who released rabbits everywhere and then were shocked when they started taking over farmland. I would never have guessed that wasps could be so destructive.

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    • A waterfall on the island of Tasmania, which has some of the largest temperate rainforests in the Southern hemisphere.
      By: magann
      A waterfall on the island of Tasmania, which has some of the largest temperate rainforests in the Southern hemisphere.
    • The vegetation, ecosystem and animals within an endangered rainforest are at risk of becoming extinct.
      By: Stéphane Bidouze
      The vegetation, ecosystem and animals within an endangered rainforest are at risk of becoming extinct.