What Does it Mean Degraded Forest?

 Degraded forest

A secondary forest that has suffered loss and degradation in terms of structure, function, species composition (composition) or productivity due to human activities, compared to a natural forest type in that area. There is a decrease in the provision of products and services from the degraded forest area, and these sites are able to conserve only a limited part of the biodiversity.  The majority of the biodiversity of degraded forest areas consists of non-wood components contained in the substrate cover.

A degraded forest refers to a forest ecosystem that has been negatively affected by human activities, natural events, or a combination of both, resulting in a decline in its health, biodiversity, and ability to provide ecosystem services. Degraded forests may still have some tree cover, but their ecological integrity and productivity are significantly reduced.

Key Features of a Degraded Forest:

1. Loss of Biodiversity:

   • Degraded forests often lose native plant and animal species.
   • Invasive species may take over, disrupting the natural ecosystem balance.

2. Reduced Tree Cover:Deforestation, logging, or overharvesting can lead to sparse or uneven tree distribution.

3. Soil Degradation:Poor soil quality due to erosion, nutrient depletion, or compaction limits tree regeneration.

4. Weakened Ecosystem Services:

   • Reduced capacity to store carbon, regulate water cycles, and prevent erosion.
   • Limited support for local communities that depend on the forest for food, shelter, or income.

Causes of Forest Degradation:

• uman Activities:
  • Logging, agriculture, urban expansion, mining, and overgrazing.
• Natural Events:
  • Forest fires, droughts, storms, or pest outbreaks.
• Climate Change:
  • Altered temperature and rainfall patterns stress forest ecosystems.

Example:

A forest heavily logged for timber without proper replanting may become degraded, with fewer trees, fragmented habitats, and loss of wildlife.