Tropical forests previously degraded by logging may host richer ecosystems than previously believed, challenging the assumption that they are ecologically less valuable. A study led by Yadvinder Malhi and his team at the University of Oxford focused on Sarawak and Sabah in Malaysia, using camera traps to estimate bird and mammal population density. Contrary to expectations, logged forests exhibited 2.5 times higher energy consumption and significantly increased bird and mammal weights, challenging the perception that these areas are ecologically compromised.
The research refutes the notion that generalist species take over after logging, as nearly all species from old-growth forests thrived in degraded areas, often with higher population densities. Malhi emphasizes the danger of neglecting these “degraded” forests, highlighting their vibrancy compared to pristine jungles. Governments and companies often prioritize conversion to agriculture, assuming lower ecological value.
The study suggests that plants in degraded forests prioritize growth over defense, promoting competition for light rather than producing toxins. This benefits the entire ecosystem, enhancing the availability of food for herbivores and their predators. Despite these positive aspects, degraded forests fall short in overall biomass and carbon absorption compared to pristine ones, impacting climate change mitigation and ecosystem maintenance.
Malhi advocates reevaluating the term “degraded,” emphasizing the need for better protection of these resilient tropical forests. He asserts that they hold substantial biodiversity and ecological functions, challenging the prevailing narrative that considers them lost causes. The findings encourage a shift in conservation focus, recognizing the ecological significance of once-degraded tropical forests and the importance of preserving their unique ecosystems.