Deforestation

Deforestation is the conversion of forested areas to non-forest. Historically, this long meant conversion to grassland or to its artificial counterpart, grainfields; however, the Industrial Revolution added urbanization and technological uses. Generally this removal or destruction of significant areas of forest cover has resulted in a simplified (or degraded) environment with reduced biodiversity. In developing countries, massive deforestation is a leading cause of environmental degradation. The forest is an enormously valuable resource and the loss, or degradation of the forest can cause severe and irreparable damage to wildlife habitat, and to other economic and ecological services the forest provides. Historically deforestation has accompanied mankind's progress since the Neolithic, and has shaped climate and geography.

Related Topics:
Forest - Urbanization - Biodiversity - Neolithic

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Deforestation (whether deliberate or unintended) is the result of the removal of trees without sufficient reforestation. There are many causes, ranging from extremely slow forest degradation to sudden and catastrophic wildfires. Deforestation can be the result of the deliberate removal of forest cover for agriculture or urban development, or it can be an unintentional consequence of uncontrolled grazing (which can prevent the natural regeneration of young trees). The combined effect of grazing and fires can be a major cause of deforestation in dry areas. In addition to the direct effects brought about by forest removal, indirect effects caused by edge effects and habitat fragmentation can greatly magnify the effects of deforestation.

Related Topics:
Reforestation - Degradation - Wildfire - Urban - Grazing - Tree - Edge effect - Habitat fragmentation

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While tropical rainforest deforestation has attracted most attention, tropical dry forests are being lost at a substantially higher rate.

Related Topics:
Tropical rainforest - Tropical dry forests

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