extinction and deforestation

To start, deforestation is the clearance of a forest or large stand of trees. The term deforestation refers to the rapid loss of forested area across the globe that contribute to other uses such as agriculture, urbanisation and mining. Humanity has been committing this act for possibly hundreds, if not thousands of years and only in recent years are we seeing the full effect this has on the world. It is found that up to 80% of the world's land animals and plants live in the ecosystems of forests. Deforestation not only disrupts the species within, but effects the biodiversity. Destroying these forests puts entire ecosystems out of balance and in danger. The natural world is complex, everything is intertwined and intrinsically depend on one another.

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Here are 5 species that are at risk of extinction due to deforestation:

1. Orangutans.

this is one that many people are very aware of. There have been many ad campaigns for the orangutans, however they are still very much at risk. In the wild, the are found to be living in very small groups with little genetic diversity.

2. Darwin's fox.

There is an estimated 649 Darwin's foxes left in the wild. The numbers have greatly decreased due to wood pulp plantations overtaking their habitat in Chili.

3. Giant Panda.

Bamboo is a panda's main food source. With rapid loss of forests in southwest of China, giant panda's are having difficulty finding new bamboo sources.

4. Pygmy sloth.

There are six species of currently living sloths. The pygmy sloths are the only one of these species that are found to be critically endangered due to habitat loss, as deforestation escalates in the Amazon rainforest.

5. Monarch butterfly.

The monarch butterfly spends most of its time in Mexico and Canada, depending on the season. Due to rapid growth of cities in Mexico, their habitat is at risk.

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Not only does deforestation effect animal species, it effects the overall health of Earth. As well as other man-made causes, deforestation has contributed to the build up of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere - more than what can be absorbed. Such a build up of carbon dioxide, drives global warming as it traps heat in the lower atmosphere. Carbon Dioxide levels are currently the highest they have every been in the history of humanity.

Such a substantial loss of trees and vegetation can contribute to climate change, soil erosion, flooding, increase in greenhouse gases and a number of issues for indigenous people. At the end of the day, the average person can't do much to stop deforestation, but little things like watching what brands you're buying from, being mindful about the products you're buying and donating your time or money to organisations that are committed to making our Earth healthier.

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