Problem
Extinction of rainforest species
Other Names:
Reduction of species diversity of rainforests Nature:
Since the end of the 1970s, clearance of areas of tropical rainforest has slowed greatly and fewer trees are being cut in rainforests. However, the rate of species extinction is still extremely high as remote sanctuaries are disrupted and the legacy of past clearance matures.
Incidence:
A 1993 NASA study claimed that three times as many animals and plant species are being killed or pushed near extinction in the Amazon rainforest as had already been reported. 40% of Hawaii's native bird species have become extinct and loss of remaining rainforest habitat threatens three-quarters of those that remain. Predation by introduced species, such as rats and mongooses, are another source of destruction. The extinction of birds species on Hawaii is a particular loss because they are a textbook example of evolution: the island's 47 species of honeycreeper all evolved from a single ancestor.
Broader Problems:
Tropical deforestationErosion of biological diversityDecreasing diversity of biological species Narrower Problems:
Endangered species of Pericopsis Strategies:
Monitoring tropical forestsProtecting global environmentIncreasing species diversity of rainforestsCausing extinction of rainforest speciesPreventing extinction of rainforest species Values:
DiversityExtinctionReduction Subject(s):
Agriculture, Fisheries → ForestryBiosciences → Evolution and species
Societal Problems → Destruction
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
D: Detailed problems Date of last update
28.12.2019 – 11:13 CET