|
The biodiversity of the tropical rain forest ecosystem is the richest in the world.
More than half of the world's plants and animals can be found in these forests. Yet
human efforts to dominate these areas have resulted in an overwhelming loss of biodiversity.
Species in the rain forests of Central America are among the most endangered in the world.
What has happened to the rain forests?
Rain forests are being destroyed at a staggering rate. Close to 80 million acres, an area
larger than Poland, are ruined each year by logging, mining, and conversion of forest into
grazing and farmland. Half a century ago, two-thirds of the bridge of land that connects
Panama to southern Mexico was tropical forest. Now, only 40 percent of the original forest exists.
 
The ancient Maya and the Aztecs planted cacao trees long before the arrival of European explorers.
The Aztecs considered the trees a gift from the gods. Ironically, the cacao industry is partly
responsible for deforestation in Latin America. The industry often clear-cuts native forests to
allow for larger, more efficient plantations. At the same time, it upsets the natural balance of
the rain forest ecosystem.
 The resplendent quetzal, a bird that is a national symbol for Guatemalans, was sacred to the
ancient Aztecs and Maya. However, the number of quetzals is declining because of habitat destruction.
Its extinction would mean the loss of an important bird in the rain forest ecosystem and an important
cultural symbol for the people of Guatemala.
Organizations around the world have called attention to the many problems caused by the destruction of
rain forests. Yet governments in desperately poor countries face many pressures to let the deforestation
continue. Still, international organizations and local governments have identified some ways to reverse
some of the damage. Learning about the problems is the first step in finding answers.
Credits: (detail) Killer whale show © John Warden/Getty Images; Rainforest clearance,
Tree with roots, Tree crusher, Rainforest clearance © Tony Morrison/South American Pictures;
Resplendent Quetzal © Michael Fogden/Animals Animals.
Top of Page
|
