Journal Articles
Cascading effects of contemporaneous defaunation on tropical forest communitiesBackgroundDefaunation, caused by hunting and habitat fragmentation, is a major threat to biodiversity in tropical forests. It disproportionately affects large-bodied vertebrates, which play key roles as seed dispersers, seed predators, and herbivores. The loss of these animals can have cascading effects on plant populations, altering species composition, seed dispersal, and plant recruitment. This study reviews empirical evidence from 42 studies to understand how defaunation influences plant-animal interactions, plant demography, and overall community diversity. Available with subscription or purchase |
Defaunation affects carbon storage in tropical forestsBackgroundTropical forests play a critical role in global carbon storage, holding approximately 40% of the Earth's terrestrial carbon. While deforestation, logging, and climate change are well-documented threats to these forests, the impact of defaunation (the loss of large frugivorous animals due to hunting and habitat loss) has been largely overlooked. Many large-seeded hardwood trees rely on large vertebrates for seed dispersal, and their decline could significantly affect forest composition and carbon storage. Open access copy available |
Active restoration of post-mining forest benefits the activity density, but not the diversity of spider communities across the seasons in GhanaBACKGROUND:Open access copy available |
Institutional Design of Forest Landscape Restoration in Central Togo: Informing Policy-making through Q Methodology AnalysisBACKGROUND:Open access copy available |
Prospects for integration of carbon and biodiversity credits: an Australian case study reviewBACKGROUND:Open access copy available |
How much deforestation in sub-Saharan Africa has been caused by mining?BACKGROUND:Sub-Saharan Africa has become a major mining hub due to its vast mineral resources, which has led to significant economic growth and investment in the region since the early 2000s. However, the expansion of mining activities, especially post-2000, has raised concerns about their environmental impact, particularly in terms of deforestation and habitat disruption. The paper aims to assess the extent of deforestation caused by mining activities in Sub-Saharan Africa, employing geospatial and statistical analysis to compare areas with and without mining operations. Open access copy available |
The Realities of Community Based Natural Resource Management and Biodiversity Conservation in Sub-Saharan AfricaBACKGROUND:Open access copy available |
Promises and potentials do not grow trees and crops. A review of institutional and policy research in agroforestry for the Southern African regionBACKGROUND:Agroforestry has been recognized for its potential to address land management challenges, improve food security, and support rural livelihoods, but its widespread adoption remains limited. Institutional and policy barriers, including weak coordination among sectors and inadequate incentives, hinder its integration into national and local frameworks. Strengthening policies, institutions, and research on the social and economic dimensions of agroforestry is essential for its successful implementation and long-term impact. Open access copy available |
Expanding forest carbon sinks to mitigate climate change in AfricaBACKGROUND:Forests play a crucial role in climate change mitigation by acting as carbon sinks that sequester atmospheric CO2. African forests, covering 22% of the continent, provide substantial benefits but are under threat from deforestation and degradation. A comprehensive strategy that integrates social, economic, and environmental aspects is essential to preserve their ability to capture carbon effectively. The authors seek to examine the relationship between forest loss and increased CO2 emissions in Africa. Open access copy available |
The Effect of Carbon Credits on Savanna Land Management and Priorities for Biodiversity ConservationBACKGROUND:Investing in habitat protection and sustainable management is crucial to curb the rapid decline in biodiversity. A carbon market offers financial incentives to modify land use or management practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, the effects of such market-based conservation strategies in ecosystems like tropical savannas are still largely unexplored. The paper highlights the potential of emerging carbon markets as a means to fund improved land management practices that could benefit both biodiversity and carbon sequestration. Open access copy available |
