According to a report published in the peer-reviewed science journal One Earth, mountain forests are rapidly disappearing, with a loss of 78.1 million hectares (7.1%) of mountain forest worldwide since 2000, an area larger than the US state of Texas or the country of France. The loss has been particularly significant in tropical biodiversity hotspots, placing more pressure on already threatened species.
In this article, we will look at what is going on as well as explain why biodiversity is important in the first place.
Deforestation in mountainous areas is increasing at a rapid pace globally - (Image Credit: Favious via Shutterstock / HDR tune by Universal-Sci)
Why biodiversity is important
Biodiversity, the variety of living organisms on Earth, is vital to maintain a functioning ecosystem, but it has many more vital contributions.
Food security
Biodiversity provides us with the genetic resources needed to allow crops and livestock to adapt to changing environmental circumstances. (think of climate change and certain pests and diseases)
Medicine development and preventing the spread of antibiotic resistance
Many medicines are indirectly derived from biodiversity. In addition, biodiversity can serve as an ecological barrier to the spread of dangerous antibiotic resistance, as biologically diverse ecosystems may have a greater capacity to prevent or delay the spread of antibiotic resistance.
We have writte before about the looming threat of antibiotic resistance on this website. A concerning trend worldwide is the rising number of deaths from infections, as bacteria are developing increasing resistance to modern antibiotics.
Consider the following articles for further information if you are interested in the subject:
The next 'pandemic' is antibiotic resistance, a ticking time bomb, and we are doing nothing to stop it (Universal-Sci)
Will AI rescue us from a world without working antibiotics? (Universal-Sci)
Economic benefits
In addition to its ecological importance, biodiversity also provides meaningful economic contributions, including the support of tourism, recreation, and cultural activities, indirectly offering employment and income for millions of people worldwide.
Image Credit: Sean Xu via Shutterstock / HDR tune by Universal-Sci
The study
Mountain forests were once considered shielded from deforestation due to their rugged characteristics, but since the start of the 21st century, they have become increasingly vulnerable as lowland areas slowly become depleted or protected by law.
According to the team of researchers behind the study (at Leeds University and the Southern University of Science and Technology in China), mountains are home to over 85% of the world's bird, mammal, and amphibian species, with many of them relying on forest habitats.
The team aimed to explore the extent and global distribution of mountain forest loss. They did this by monitoring changes in mountain forests annually from the year 2001 to 2018. They analyzed both the loss and gain of tree cover, estimated the rate of change, compared different types of mountain forests based on their elevation and location - boreal, temperate, and tropical - and examined the impact of forest loss on biodiversity.
As stated by the researchers, knowledge of the dynamics of deforestation along elevation gradients worldwide is vital for comprehending where and how the amount of forested area available for forest species will change as they shift in reaction to warming.
Causes of deforestation
The study found that logging was the primary cause of mountain forest loss worldwide, accounting for 42% of the total loss. Wildfires were the second leading cause, responsible for 29% of the loss, followed by shifting or "slash-and-burn" cultivation at 15% and permanent or semi-permanent agriculture at 10%. However, the relative importance of these factors varied by region. Mountain forests in Asia, South America, Africa, Europe, and Australia experienced significant loss, but those in North America and Oceania did not.
Disconcerting findings
Alarmingly the team found a substantial increase in the rate of mountain forest loss. From 2001-2009 to 2010-2018, the annual rate of loss increased by 50%, resulting in the loss of approximately 5.2 million hectares of mountain forests per year.
According to the authors, this acceleration is likely due to rapid agricultural expansion into highland areas in mainland Southeast Asia, as well as increased logging of mountain forests due to the depletion of lowland forests or their protection.
The researchers uncovered that tropical mountain forests suffered the most loss, accounting for 42% of the global total, and also experienced the fastest rate of acceleration. However, these forests also showed a faster rate of regrowth compared to mountain forests in temperate and boreal regions. The team also recorded signs of tree cover regrowth in 23% of the areas that had experienced forest loss.
Protected areas
While protected areas showed lower rates of mountain forest loss compared to unprotected areas, the scientists warn that this alone may not be sufficient to protect threatened species.
The team noted that for sensitive species in biodiversity hotspots, the challenge extends beyond preventing forest loss. Preserving the integrity of forests in large enough areas to support natural movements and provide sufficient space for ranging species is also critical.
Taking human livelihoods into account with protection strategies
The authors stress that it is important to take into account human livelihoods and well-being while formulating forest protection strategies and other measures.
They suggest that any new initiatives aimed at preserving mountain forests should be tailored to the local context and conditions and should strike a balance between the need for heightened forest protection and ensuring food production and human welfare.
If you are interested in more details about the study, consider reading the paper published in the peer-reviewed science journal One Earth, listed below.
Sources and further reading:
Accelerating global mountain forest loss threatens biodiversity hotspots (One Earth)
The next 'pandemic' is antibiotic resistance, a ticking time bomb, and we are doing nothing to stop it (Universal-Sci)
Will AI rescue us from a world without working antibiotics? (Universal-Sci)
Loss of soil microbial diversity exacerbates the spread of antibiotic resistance (Soil Ecology Letters)
Biodiversity as a barrier (scilog)
Impact of climate change on biodiversity and food security: a global perspective (Springer Nature / Agriculture & Food Security)
Biodiversity Loss Is Endangering Food Security (Yale School of the Environment)
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