Forest Resources Website
About Forests
A forest is an area of land dominated by trees. Hundreds of definitions of forest are used throughout the world, incorporating factors such as tree density, tree height, land use, legal standing, and ecological function. The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) defines a forest as,
"Land spanning more than 0.5 hectares with trees higher than 5 meters and a canopy cover of more than 10 percent, or trees able to reach these thresholds in situ. It does not include land that is predominantly under agricultural or urban use." Using this definition,
Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020 (FRA 2020) found that forests covered 4.06 billion hectares (10.0 billion acres; 40.6 million square kilometres; 15.7 million square miles), or approximately 31 percent of the world's land area in 2020.
Forests are the largest terrestrial ecosystem of Earth by area, and are found around the globe. 45 percent of forest land is in the tropical latitudes.
The next largest share of forests are found in subarctic climates, followed by temperate, and subtropical zones
Forests account for 75% of the gross primary production of the Earth's biosphere, and contain 80% of the Earth's plant biomass.
Net primary production is estimated at 21.9 gigatonnes of biomass per year for tropical forests, 8.1 for temperate forests, and 2.6 for boreal forests.
Forests form distinctly different biomes at different latitudes and elevations, and with different precipitation and evapotranspiration rates. These biomes include boreal forests in subarctic climates,
tropical moist forests and tropical dry forests around the Equator, and temperate forests at the middle latitudes. Forests form in areas of the Earth with high rainfall, while drier conditions produce a transition to savanna. However,
in areas with intermediate rainfall levels, forest transitions to savanna rapidly when the percentage of land that is covered by trees drops below 40 to 45 percent.
Research conducted in the Amazon rainforest shows that trees can alter rainfall rates across a region, releasing water from their leaves in anticipation of seasonal rains to trigger the wet season early. Because of this, seasonal rainfall in the Amazon begins 2 to 3 months earlier than the climate would otherwise allow.
Deforestation in the Amazon and anthropogenic climate change hold the potential to interfere with this process, causing the forest to pass a threshold where it transitions into savanna.
Forests contribute to climate regulation by absorbing carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and releasing oxygen. They also help prevent soil erosion and provide essential services such as water filtration and purification.
Types of Trees
Trees usually reproduce using seeds. Flowers and fruit may be present, but some trees, such as conifers, instead have pollen cones and seed cones. Palms, bananas, and bamboos also produce seeds, but tree ferns produce spores instead.
Trees play a significant role in reducing erosion and moderating the climate.
They remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store large quantities of carbon in their tissues.
Trees and forests provide a habitat for many species of animals and plants.
Tropical rainforests are among the most biodiverse habitats in the world. Trees provide shade and shelter, timber for construction, fuel for cooking and heating,
and fruit for food as well as having many other uses. In much of the world, forests are shrinking as trees are cleared to increase the amount of land available for agriculture. Because of their longevity and usefulness,
trees have always been revered, with sacred groves in various cultures, and they play a role in many of the world's mythologies.
Forests are home to a diverse array of trees, each with unique characteristics. Coniferous trees, such as pines and spruces, are adapted to cold climates and often retain their needles throughout the year.
Deciduous trees, like oaks and maples, shed their leaves in the fall. Tropical rainforests host an abundance of evergreen trees, while mangrove forests thrive in coastal areas, tolerating saltwater conditions.
Wildlife
Trees play an important role in providing food resources for wildlife, both directly and indirectly. Many animals rely on leaves, sap, bark, and buds as a source of food. By providing these edible materials directly, trees support wildlife throughout the year. For example, many species of birds feed off of the buds of coniferous trees in the winter months when other food sources may be scarce. Scrubby and hardwood forests also provide essential coverage and protection for wildlife, allowing them to hunt and forage for pieces of food that trees don’t directly provide. Forest overstories offer security from predators, while leaf coverage from deciduous canopies offers needed protection from the elements and serves as a buffer for soil moisture during extreme heat or droughts. Bird populations are further bolstered by perching branches and nesting sites provided by mature trees that can serve multiple generations with their roots holding onto topsoil and sheltering critters from very big rain drops or strong winds. Trees that produce nuts and fruits act as foraging sites where mammals supplement their diets through seasonal harvests. By providing a sense of safety, nutrition-rich sustenance, and environmental protection, trees create a thriving ecosystem that supports vast varieties of animal life. As diverse food resources become increasingly scarce due to human incursions into natural habitats, planting trees is an integral part of preserving existing wildlife populations as well as creating new habitats that welcome all kinds of creatures. The edible fruits, nuts, and seeds provided by trees are essential elements in sustaining animal life throughout different regions of the world. In the next section, we will discuss how these forms of nutrition impact local ecosystems.
Planting trees with edible fruits, nuts, and seeds can provide a vital food source in many ecosystems. From wild beavers to backyard birds, animals of all shapes and sizes need healthy and varied diets to survive. While some native vegetation may be an adequate natural food supply, there may be times when animals struggle to find available food sources that meet their dietary needs. Planting trees with nuts, fruits, and seeds can help provide the necessary nutrition these animals need during those tough times. The benefits of planting trees for wildlife in terms of providing edible fruits, nuts, and seeds are plentiful; however, caution must be taken by gardeners as non-native species can introduce havoc into existing ecosystems. For example, squirrels are notorious for burying acorns from non-native oak species which makes it difficult for native oak species to compete for resources like light and water. Fortunately, there are simple steps that can be taken – such as shopping around for responsibly sourced and locally adapted fruit bearing trees – to minimize the risk of non-native species invading native ecosystems and disrupting valuable habitats. Not only do edible fruits, nuts, and seeds provide an essential food source throughout the year, but they also serve as a means of transportation when eaten by wildlife and dispersed through droppings or through being scattered away in the wind. This means that when planted strategically on any residential property or larger habitat area, edible fruits, nuts, and seeds will not only create essential conservation corridors between habitats but can also aid in restoring disturbed areas that may have been affected by development projects or other human activities. By planting fruit bearing trees with edible fruits, nuts, and seeds that are appropriate to the local environment we can help ensure there is a steady supply of nutritious food sources for wildlife during times of environmental stress. In addition to creating vital wildlife habitats for generations to come, this effortless form of conservation also brings recreational benefits to observant wildlife watchers who get to witness the beauty of nature in full bloom from their own backyard. Next up we’ll discuss how bird feeders are a practical way to maintain a healthy diet for our feathered friends year round.
Forests support a rich diversity of wildlife, ranging from mammals and birds to insects and amphibians. Endangered species such as the Bengal tiger, orangutan, and snow leopard find refuge in forest habitats.
Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting colorful birds like parrots and toucans in tropical forests, while temperate forests provide habitats for deer, bears, and various bird species. Biodiversity conservation is crucial for the health of these ecosystems.
Conservation
What is forest conversion? Forest conversion is the clearing of natural forests (deforestation) to use the land for another purpose, often agricultural (growing crops like palm oil or creating pasture for cattle), but also for mines, infrastructure or urbanisation. Forest conversion is the largest cause of global deforestation today. It is being done by businesses and individuals, for economic reasons, or simply for survival. Forest conversion has complicated roots, but one emerging global trend is that big, commercial investments are increasing, and with them, rates of deforestation. Where does forest conversion happen? Across the world’s forests, conversion is most widespread in developing countries in tropical regions. For the past 20 years, forest conversion in tropical regions has been extensive throughout south-east Asia and Latin America. This is driven by the trade of palm oil, pulp and paper, beef and soy. The forests of sub-Saharan Africa had, until recently, remained relatively untouched by forest conversion. However in the coming years, forest conversion is predicted to expand in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the Congo Basin. What causes forest conversion? The main cause of forest conversion is the growing demand for land for infrastructure and urbanisation, or to produce agricultural commodities and mineral resources. There is significant evidence that agriculture is the main cause of deforestation in the tropics. The main commodities driving forest conversion are soy, palm oil, beef, leather, cocoa, coffee and sugar. Although these agricultural commodities are produced on deforested land in tropical countries, most are not consumed domestically, but are exported for consumption by developed countries.
Conserving forest resources is essential to ensure the well-being of our planet and future generations. Sustainable logging practices, reforestation efforts, and the establishment of protected areas contribute to the preservation of forests.
Community involvement, scientific research, and international cooperation play vital roles in addressing deforestation, illegal logging, and habitat destruction. Conservation initiatives aim to balance human needs with environmental sustainability, fostering a harmonious relationship with nature.
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