A few weeks ago, we reported on World Wildlife Day 2021 and the purpose behind it. Here you can find out why it is so important to preserve wildlife.
A few weeks ago, we reported on World Wildlife Day 2021 and the purpose behind it. Here you can find out why it is so important to preserve wildlife.
Rainforests, which once colonized a large part of the land around the equator, now only make up around 7% of the Earth's total land area. Nevertheless, over half of all animal species live in these forests - in other words, the animals that we still know exist today. One thing is certain: many animal species and at least as many plants in the rainforest are not yet known or have not yet been discovered by researchers. It is therefore impossible to say exactly how rich the biodiversity of tropical forests really is. This makes the threat to the rainforest and the loss of large areas all the more serious.
Why do tropical forests provide the perfect habitat for so many animal species?
A question that is easy to answer: in tropical forests there is plenty of water, a relatively constant temperature that never really gets too cold, and accordingly lots of vegetation. For herbivorous animal species, this is a land of milk and honey where they feel very much at home. And that is why there is also plenty of food for predators. At the same time, there are so many biological niches in the world's rainforests that numerous animal "specialists" have been able to colonize them. For example, insects that only live in the bark or forks of certain trees. Many animal species are so perfectly adapted to their own niche that they can only survive in the rainforest, perhaps even only in a very specific area of the rainforest.
A perfect ecosystem
Tropical forests are perfectly balanced ecosystems. They are the green lungs and water reservoirs of the planet. Their preservation is the only way for the animals living in them (and incidentally many indigenous peoples) to maintain their natural way of life. Zoos may be popular, but they are by no means natural environments for wild exotic animals. Conversely, wildlife is also important for the survival of tropical forests, as the complex biological cycle in the rainforest depends on a variety of insects, birds, scavengers and predators. If just one tiny part is missing, the entire system goes into a tailspin.
Endangered tropical wildlife
ALL animal species living there are affected by the deforestation of large areas. We can follow in the media how severely threatened the orangutans on Sumatra and Borneo are, and we know about the decline in the numbers of large predatory cats in South America. Gorillas in Africa - and other primates - are also being pushed back more and more by deforestation or end up as "bush meat" on the village market.
The destruction goes next
Although attempts have been made since the 1990s to counteract the loss of forests, around 29,100 km2 of rainforest were destroyed in the Brazilian part of Amazonia alone in 2019. Irretrievably. The consequences for the flora and fauna as well as the indigenous peoples of the tropics in Africa, Asia and South America cannot yet be foreseen. Countless plant and animal species that we have never even met are disappearing.
In addition, poaching is affecting the species. Animals are hunted as trophies or for their horns and teeth. Exotic animals sell well in certain circles as "pets" or for arranged hunts. The trade is lucrative, although only a fraction of the poor abducted "passengers" survive the terrible, because illegal, transportation.
Raise more awareness!
We need to take a closer look. We need to realize that everything that is destroyed is irretrievably lost - for us, but even more so for all generations after us. They will have to live without the riches we have squandered, at least for as long as they live. Because what many people don't realize is that nature is stronger than humans. Once we humans have made the earth uninhabitable and extinct, nature will bring forth new life. Possibly new rainforests. And they will be safe from us!
About NIKIN - and what we do for the forests
At NIKIN, we have made it our mission to do something to ensure that the world's forests continue to provide animals and plants with the habitat they need. That is why we support the work of our partner organization OneTreePlanted. With OneTreePlanted, we plant a tree for every product in our store in a place where it is urgently needed. A lot can be done with very little effort - so help us to create a better future!
Want to find out more about World Wildlife Day 2021? Then click here for the blog.
