Effects on Biodiversity and Ecosystems

Deforestation causes severe damage to ecosystems and biodiversity, setting off a chain reaction of ecological problems. Approximately 80% of every living thing on Earth live in forests, essential habitats for fungi, animals, plants, and bacteria. When forests are removed, these animals lose their homes, leading to habitat fragmentation, population losses, and in many cases, extinction. These species are vital to the complex balance of ecosystems, involved in pollination, nutrient cycling, and preserving food chain structures.

The Impact of Habitat Loss

Habitat loss is one of the most direct effects of deforestation on biodiversity. Due to the reduction of forest cover, some amphibians, leopards, and orangutans are severely endangered. In addition to isolating animal populations, habitat fragmentation lowers genetic diversity and makes species less resilient to calamities, illness, and other threats.

Ecosystem Damage

Deforestation damages entire ecosystems. Forests are crucial for preserving soil integrity, stabilizing climate, and controlling water cycles. The removal of forests disrupts the water cycle, leading to increased droughts and floods. Additionally, soil erosion from the loss of tree cover reduces land productivity and quality.

Climate Change Acceleration

Forests store carbon, and their removal accelerates climate change. This accelerates global warming, endangering ecosystems and species worldwide.

Consequences for Human Life

Deforestation impacts not only wildlife but also human life. The collapse of biodiversity and ecosystems puts agriculture, clean water sources, and global food security at risk, underscoring the critical need for conservation and restoration.