LOSS OF BIODIVERSITY- AMAZON RAINFOREST

INTRODUCTION

Biodiversity, or the variety of life on Earth, is essential for keeping our planet
healthy. It includes all the different species of plants, animals, insects, and
microorganisms that make up ecosystems. Each species has a role to play,
helping to support food chains, clean water, fertile soil, and the balance of
gases in the atmosphere. But around the world, biodiversity is being lost at an
alarming rate, with many species disappearing faster than ever before.

The Amazon rainforest is one of the most important areas for biodiversity. It is
home to about 10% of all known species, including unique plants and animals
that can’t be found anywhere else. This region also helps stabilize the global
climate by absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide. However, deforestation,
mining, and other human activities are putting the Amazon’s rich biodiversity
at risk. Trees are cut down for wood, land is cleared for farming, and resources
are taken from the forest, leading to the loss of habitats for many species.

Understanding the causes and effects of biodiversity loss in the Amazon

rainforest is crucial. This research explores these issues and discusses possible
ways to protect this valuable ecosystem for future generations.
LITERATURES REVIEW

1. PRONOUNCED LOSS OF AMAZON RAINFOREST RESILIENCE SINCE THE

EARLY 2000s
-CHRIS A. BOULTON
-TIMOTHY M. LETHON
-NIKLAS BOERS

The document focuses on the need to monitor biodiversity in the

Amazon to protect it from threats like deforestation and other human
activities. The Amazon rainforest has incredibly high biodiversity,
meaning it is home to many different species, and it provides important
benefits like climate regulation and carbon storage. However, losing this
biodiversity can weaken the ecosystem and the valuable services it
provides.

To track changes in biodiversity, the authors emphasize systematic

monitoring, which means observing biodiversity over time to detect
changes. They recommend several methods, such as satellite imaging,
which allows scientists to monitor forest cover and habitat loss, and
ground surveys, which provide detailed information about specific plants
and animals in different areas. Combining remote sensing with on-
ground surveys gives a fuller picture of biodiversity trends.

The study finds that deforestation and habitat fragmentation are major
causes of biodiversity loss in the Amazon. Conservation areas and
protected zones are crucial for preserving biodiversity, but they face
challenges, such as illegal logging and agricultural expansion. The
authors suggest strengthening conservation policies and improving
enforcement in protected areas to prevent further loss.

In conclusion, the document stresses that protecting Amazon

biodiversity requires monitoring and conservation efforts. Collaboration
between governments, local communities, and researchers can create
effective strategies to conserve and sustainably manage the Amazon’s
natural resources.
2. MONITORING BIODIVERSITY: ANALYSIS OF AMAZONIAN RAINFOREST
SOUNDS
-KLAUS RIEDE

The study by KLAUS RIEDE focuses on the need to monitor biodiversity in

the Amazon to protect it from threats like deforestation and other
human activities. The Amazon rainforest has incredibly high biodiversity,
meaning it is home to many different species, and it provides important
benefits like climate regulation and carbon storage. However, losing this
biodiversity can weaken the ecosystem and the valuable services it
provides.

To track changes in biodiversity, the authors emphasize systematic

monitoring, which means observing biodiversity over time to detect
changes. They recommend several methods, such as satellite imaging,
which allows scientists to monitor forest cover and habitat loss, and
ground surveys, which provide detailed information about specific plants
and animals in different areas. Combining remote sensing with on-
ground surveys gives a fuller picture of biodiversity trends.

The study finds that deforestation and habitat fragmentation are major
causes of biodiversity loss in the Amazon. Conservation areas and
protected zones are crucial for preserving biodiversity, but they face
challenges, such as illegal logging and agricultural expansion. The
authors suggest strengthening conservation policies and improving
enforcement in protected areas to prevent further loss.

In conclusion, the document stresses that protecting Amazon

biodiversity requires monitoring and conservation efforts. Collaboration
between governments, local communities, and researchers can create
effective strategies to conserve and sustainably manage the Amazon’s
natural resources.
3. Conversion of the Amazon rainforest to agriculture results in biotic
homogenization of soil bacterial communities
- Jorge L. M. Rodriguesa [and many others]

The study by Rodrigues et al. (2012) examines how converting the

Amazon rainforest into farmland affects the diversity of soil
bacteria. The Amazon is rich in plant, animal, and microbial life, but
deforestation for activities like cattle ranching has had a major
impact on this diversity. While deforestation visibly reduces plant
and animal species, it also affects tiny organisms in the soil in
unique ways.

After deforestation, the study found that the variety of soil bacteria
within local areas (called alpha diversity) actually increases.
However, across larger areas, the bacterial communities in
farmland like pastures become more alike, a process known as
“biotic homogenization.” This means that specific bacterial species
unique to certain parts of the rainforest disappear, replaced by
more common bacteria that thrive in farmed soil. For example,
bacteria sensitive to environmental changes, like Acidobacteria,
decrease, while others, like Firmicutes, become more common in
pastures.

This homogenization can reduce important ecosystem functions,

like nutrient cycling and carbon storage, which are crucial for soil
health. As beta diversity (diversity across regions) decreases, the
resilience of the ecosystem may also decline. The study emphasizes
that understanding these microbial changes is key to assessing the
environmental costs of turning rainforests into farmland, as they
may affect the Amazon's ecological balance long-term.
4. FORESTS IN FLUX
A SECOND CHANCE FOR RAINFOREST BIODIVERSITY
- PUBLISHED BY AAAS
www.sciencemag.org

The article "Forests in Flux" explores how forests, especially

rainforests, are affected by human activities and how they can
naturally regrow over time. In 1967, billionaire Daniel Ludwig
bought vast areas of the Brazilian rainforest to plant Eucalyptus
trees for paper production. However, the high costs led to the
failure of his plan, and eventually, much of the land began to
recover naturally. This provided scientists with a unique
opportunity to study how forests regrow after being cut down.

Carlos Peres and his team focused on these regrown areas, called
"secondary forests," in Jari, Brazil, to see how they support
biodiversity. They discovered that these secondary forests don’t
have as many species as untouched, old-growth forests. For
instance, only around 40% of bird species found in untouched
forests were present in the secondary forests. This shows that many
species that depend on primary forests struggle to survive in
altered environments.

The study also showed that Eucalyptus plantations support even

fewer species, although some animals, like bats and certain insects,
can still live there. Despite lower biodiversity, secondary forests and
plantations play an important role in conservation by acting as
buffer zones around protected areas. Scientists stress the
importance of preserving primary forests because they support the
highest biodiversity. However, secondary forests remain valuable,
and practices like selective logging can help maintain biodiversity in
regrown areas.
STUDY AREA

The LUNGS OF THE EARTH, Amazon Rainforest is the world’s largest

tropical rainforest, covering over 5.5 million square kilometers across
nine countries in South America. Most of it is in Brazil, and it stretches
into other countries like Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela. This rainforest is
often called the "lungs of the Earth" because it helps to produce oxygen
and absorb carbon dioxide, which is important for the global climate.

The Amazon is known for its incredible variety of life. It is home to about
10% of all known species on Earth, including unique plants, birds,
mammals, and insects. Indigenous communities have lived here for
generations, relying on the forest for food, shelter, and medicine. They
have traditional ways of using the forest without harming it, which has
helped protect its resources.

The Amazon has a hot and humid climate with heavy rainfall, which helps
plants grow thick and tall. However, human activities like deforestation,
mining, and farming are damaging the forest, leading to the loss of many
plant and animal species. As the Amazon loses more of its forest, it also
loses its ability to help balance the Earth's climate. This makes it crucial to
study the Amazon and find ways to protect its rich biodiversity.
OBJECTIVES

1. To understand the main causes of biodiversity loss in the Amazon rainforest,

including deforestation, mining, and agriculture expansion, and how these
factors impact the ecosystem.
2. To assess the effects of biodiversity loss on the Amazon's wildlife and plant
species, examining how specific species and ecosystems are affected by human
activities and environmental changes.
3. To explore conservation efforts and strategies to protect and restore
biodiversity in the Amazon, focusing on both local and global initiatives and
their effectiveness in preventing further biodiversity loss.
METHODOLOGY

1. Study area selection

2. Minimum 4 literature reviews
3. Data collection:
numbers of different species with respect of years, images related to
study area. Maps etc.
4. Discussion, analysis, conclusion:
We gone through many websites related to the topic and analyse them.
Summarize all the informations that how Amazon Rainforest are
significant and with time its facing the loss of biodiversity. Along with
these, there is also mention of conservation initiatives to protect that
region locally and globally, both.
The research paper is mainly based on secondary sources. Literature from
different books, journals, reports, articles etc. have been taken for this
research paper to specify the main reasons of loss of biodiversity in amazon
rainforest.
Study area images and maps have been taken from internet from different
websites.
ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS

The Amazon rainforest, often called the "lungs of the Earth," is one of the most
critical ecosystems on our planet. Covering about 7 million square kilometers
across nine countries, it is home to roughly 10% of the world’s known species.
This region, especially rich in plants, animals, and other forms of life, plays an
essential role in regulating the Earth’s climate, producing oxygen, and
supporting local and global ecosystems. Unfortunately, since the 1960s, about
20% of the Amazon rainforest has been lost due to human activities like
deforestation and fires, with the pace of destruction increasing in recent years.

One of the biggest drivers of Amazon deforestation is agriculture. Every year,

large areas of forest are cleared, primarily to create space for cattle ranching
and soybean farming. In fact, livestock farming alone accounts for about 80%
of deforestation in the Amazon. This deforestation is largely done using fire,
which is a quick way to clear land. While fires aren’t always directly linked to
deforestation, they are often used together, creating a dangerous cycle. Fires
not only destroy trees but also increase the risk of wildfires spreading,
especially in a region increasingly affected by climate change. As the climate
changes, the Amazon is experiencing more droughts, which make the forest
more vulnerable to fires.

Between August 2018 and July 2019, the Amazon lost over 3,800 square miles
of forest, roughly the equivalent of 1.8 million football fields. In 2019 alone,
deforestation in the Amazon reached 203,460 hectares, equivalent to around
2,034 square kilometers, threatening many animal and plant species. For
instance, the Hyacinth Macaw, a vibrant blue parrot, is now classified as
Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), while
Milton’s Titi, a small primate found only in certain areas of Brazil, is also
endangered due to habitat loss and forest fires.

Scientists are concerned that if the current rates of deforestation continue,

forest loss in the Amazon could reach between 21% and 40% by 2050. This
would be disastrous for biodiversity, as the Amazon is home to over 3 million
species, including more than 2,500 types of trees. Losing this biodiversity
would have serious consequences not just for the species within the Amazon
but for the entire planet. Forests help to absorb carbon dioxide, which helps
reduce global warming. When forests are cleared, the stored carbon is
released into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. Already, the
Amazon’s ability to absorb CO2 has halved due to deforestation.

Beyond affecting global temperatures, deforestation has serious consequences

for local and indigenous communities. Many indigenous groups rely on the
forest for their food, water, shelter, and medicines. They have lived in
harmony with the forest for generations, helping to protect its resources.
Studies show that indigenous lands are generally better protected and
experience less species decline and pollution. Recognizing and respecting these
indigenous territories could play a significant role in conservation efforts.
Indigenous lands cover over one-third of the Amazon, and these areas are
often managed sustainably, benefiting the environment and biodiversity.

Deforestation also raises concerns about zoonotic diseases, which are diseases
that jump from animals to humans, such as COVID-19. When forests are
destroyed, humans come into closer contact with wild animals, increasing the
risk of new diseases spreading. Moreover, with habitat loss, wildlife is pushed
into smaller areas, disrupting ecological balances and often causing species to
decline or even go extinct.

Efforts to protect the Amazon are underway, though challenges remain. Some
countries, particularly Brazil, hold a significant portion of the Amazon within
their borders. Brazil alone accounts for about 59% of the Amazon’s tree cover,
which means it plays a central role in the future of the rainforest.

In April 2021, Brazil recorded a record high of 580 square kilometers of

deforestation within a single month—a 42% increase from April 2020. These
numbers highlight the urgent need for effective policies and conservation
strategies.
Several strategies are being proposed to curb deforestation and protect
biodiversity in the Amazon. One key approach is enforcing stricter policies
against illegal logging and mining. Mining, in particular, is a growing problem,
as minerals like gold and iron are extracted at high environmental costs. Toxic
chemicals used in mining can pollute water sources, harming local species and
communities. Illegal mining operations are especially harmful, introducing
dangerous chemicals like mercury that contaminate rivers and food chains.

Creating protected areas is another important step in conserving the Amazon.

Protected areas and national parks can serve as safe zones for biodiversity,
where logging and agriculture are restricted. For example, Manu National Park
in Peru is a protected area that safeguards a variety of species and serves as a
model for conservation. In Brazil, about 50% of the Amazon rainforest is under
some form of protection, including government-led programs like the Amazon
Region Protected Areas (ARPA) program.

To encourage sustainable practices, experts suggest promoting a "forest

economy." This concept involves providing financial incentives for sustainable
activities that don’t harm the forest, such as harvesting non-timber products
like Brazil nuts or açaí berries. These products can be harvested without cutting
down trees, allowing local communities to make a living while keeping the
forest intact.

Involving indigenous communities in conservation efforts is essential.

Indigenous people have deep knowledge of the forest and have managed it
sustainably for generations. Studies show that deforestation rates in
indigenous territories are often lower than in unprotected areas. By
recognizing indigenous land rights and involving them in conservation
decisions, we can protect biodiversity while respecting their cultural heritage.

International cooperation is also key to preserving the Amazon. Programs like

REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation)
provide financial support to countries that work to reduce deforestation.
Through REDD+ and other global initiatives, there is potential to make a
meaningful impact, though it requires strong commitment from all nations
involved. International organizations, governments, and conservation groups
need to work together to develop and implement strategies to protect the
Amazon’s biodiversity.

Biodiversity loss is a global issue, and the Amazon is a prime example of what is
at stake. If current trends continue, the rainforest could reach a “tipping point”
where large areas transform from lush forests to dry savannah-like
environments. This shift would not only lead to the extinction of countless
species but also alter weather patterns and harm agriculture and water
supplies globally. Scientists estimate that to maintain a stable climate and
healthy ecosystems, at least 30% of land and marine areas worldwide should
be conserved by 2030.

The Amazon rainforest is an irreplaceable ecosystem with immense

biodiversity, carbon storage, and resources that benefit people worldwide.
However, deforestation, fires, and climate change are pushing it toward a
crisis. Protecting the Amazon requires a combination of stronger policies,
sustainable practices, international cooperation, and support for indigenous
communities. By taking these steps, we can work toward a future where the
Amazon continues to thrive and contribute to the health of our planet. If we
act now, there is still hope to protect this invaluable resource for future
generations.
CONCLUSION

The Amazon rainforest is a unique and vital part of our planet, known for its
immense biodiversity, natural resources, and ability to regulate the Earth’s
climate. It is home to countless species and provides oxygen while helping to
control global temperatures. However, deforestation, fires, and climate change
are destroying large areas of this precious forest each year, mainly for
agriculture, mining, and livestock farming. This loss not only threatens plants
and animals but also the local communities that depend on the forest and the
overall health of our planet.

To protect the Amazon, countries, conservationists, and communities must

work together to enforce stricter laws, establish protected areas, and promote
sustainable practices. International programs like REDD+ are essential in
supporting efforts to reduce deforestation, and recognizing the rights and
knowledge of indigenous peoples can play a major role in preserving this
critical ecosystem. By acting now, we can ensure that the Amazon rainforest
continues to benefit the world and remains a thriving, resilient habitat for
generations to come.
REFERENCES

 https://worldrainforests.com/amazon/

 https://www.greenpeace.org/international/story/55533/amazon-
rainforest-fires-2022-brazil-causes-climate/

 https://today.uconn.edu/2021/09/study-shows-the-impacts-of-
deforestation-and-forest-burning-on-biodiversity-in-the-amazon/

 https://wwf.panda.org/discover/knowledge_hub/where_we_work/
amazon/amazon_threats/

 https://www.iberdrola.com/sustainability/amazon-deforestation

 https://palotoaamazontravel.com/biodiversity-and-the-amazon-
rainforest/

 https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/biodiversity-and-the-amazon-
rainforest/

 FORESTS IN FLUX
A SECOND CHANCE FOR RAINFOREST BIODIVERSITY - PUBLISHED BY
AAAS [www.sciencemag.org]

 Conversion of the Amazon rainforest to agriculture results in biotic

homogenization of soil bacterial communities - Jorge L. M. Rodriguesa
[and many others]
 PRONOUNCED LOSS OF AMAZON RAINFOREST RESILIENCE SINCE THE
EARLY 2000s- CHRIS A. BOULTON , TIMOTHY M. LETHON , NIKLAS BOERS

 MONITORING BIODIVERSITY: ANALYSIS OF AMAZONIAN RAINFOREST

SOUNDS -KLAUS RIEDE