Half of tree species in the Amazon at risk of extinction, say scientists
Half of tree species in the Amazon at risk of extinction, say scientists
If deforestation continues at current rate, 57% of the 15,000 tree species will be in danger, including Brazil nut, cacao and acai
Damian Carrington
@dpcarrington
Friday 20 November 2015 15.12 EST
More than half the myriad tree species in the Amazon could be heading for extinction, according to a study that makes the first comprehensive estimate of threatened species in the world’s largest rainforest. Among the species expected to suffer significant falls in numbers are the Brazil nut, and wild cacao and açai trees, all important food sources.
The world’s most diverse forest has endured decades of deforestation, with loggers, farmers and miners responsible for the removal of 12% of its area. If that continues in the decades ahead, 57% of the 15,000 tree species will be in danger, according to the researchers.
However, if existing protected areas and indigenous territories across the vast area suffer no further damage, the number of species at risk would be restricted to a third of the total.
“Forests in the Amazon have been declining since the 1950s, but (until now) there was a poor understanding of how this has affected populations of individual species,” said Prof Carlos Peres, at the University of East Anglia, one of the 158 scientists from 21 countries who worked together on the study.
More:
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/nov/20/half-tree-species-amazon-risk-extinction-study
Environment & Energy:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/112794050
