Extinction of rainforest species

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.

Background

The extinction of rainforest species emerged as a global concern in the late 20th century, as scientists documented unprecedented rates of biodiversity loss linked to rapid deforestation in tropical regions. Landmark studies in the Amazon and Southeast Asia revealed cascading ecological impacts, prompting international attention through reports such as the 1980 World Conservation Strategy. Ongoing research and satellite monitoring have since deepened understanding of the crisis, highlighting its scale and urgency in global environmental discourse.

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.

Claim

Industrialized governments are not concerned with the loss of species, but with the fact that shrinking forests mean shrinking tropical wood exports which in turn mean declining developing economies which in turn mean shrinking markets for fist world exports. The United States, for example, exports more to tropical forested countries than it does to the whole of Europe, East and West. It has also realised that its giant pharmaceutical industries depend heavily on materials emanating from the tropical forest. It is necessary to observe closely their every action, examine the implications of those actions, and call the governments to account when their deeds betray their words.

Counter-claim

Frankly, the extinction of rainforest species is not an important problem at all. Nature has always adapted, and species have come and gone for millions of years. Human progress and economic development matter far more than worrying about obscure plants or animals. The loss of a few species won’t impact our daily lives, and resources should be focused on issues that directly benefit humanity, not on preserving every creature in the rainforest.