English
Carbon Prospecting in Tropical Forests for Climate Change MitigationBackgroundNature-based climate solutions, such as protecting and restoring forests, have gained prominence in global climate mitigation strategies. However, the supply of high-quality carbon credits derived from forest protection projects is lagging behind the rapidly growing demand. One key challenge is the lack of data to guide investment in forest carbon projects, especially in identifying areas where carbon protection would be both environmentally effective and financially viable. This study assesses the global potential of tropical forest conservation to generate investible carbon credits and quantifying the return-on-investment for forest carbon projects under current and projected carbon market conditions. Open access copy available |
Carbon Costs and Bushmeat Benefits of Hunting in Tropical ForestsBackgroundOverhunting is a widespread issue in tropical forests, leading to the depletion of frugivorous animals that play a crucial role in seed dispersal. The loss of these animals can shift tree species composition, ultimately reducing forest carbon storage. While hunting provides an essential source of protein and income for local communities, its long-term effects on carbon stocks remain underexplored. This study evaluates the trade-offs between the economic benefits of bushmeat hunting and the potential carbon costs due to defaunation-induced biomass loss. Understanding these dynamics is critical for integrating hunting management into climate change mitigation strategies such as REDD+. Open access copy available |
Livestock production and the global environment: Consume less or produce better?BackgroundThe global demand for livestock products is increasing rapidly, particularly in developing countries. While livestock production is a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, land use changes, and nitrogen cycle disruptions, the environmental impact of the sector can be mitigated through improvements in production efficiency. This study evaluates the potential for reducing livestock’s global environmental impact by shifting to more efficient production systems rather than focusing solely on reducing consumption. Open access copy available |
Wild Meat Consumption in Tropical Forests Spares a Significant Carbon Footprint from the Livestock Production SectorBackgroundWild meat consumption is a widespread practice among tropical forest communities, providing essential protein and micronutrients. However, discussions about hunting often focus on its ecological consequences, such as defaunation and biodiversity loss, rather than its potential climate benefits. This study examines the carbon footprint spared by consuming wild meat instead of livestock products, particularly bovine beef, which is a major driver of deforestation and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By quantifying the GHG emissions that would result from substituting wild meat with domesticated animal protein, the study explores whether sustainable hunting can contribute to climate change mitigation efforts. Open access copy available |
Not Seeing the Forest for the Trees: The Oversight of Defaunation in REDD+ and Global Forest GovernanceBackgroundReducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) is a global initiative aimed at mitigating climate change by preserving forest carbon stocks. While REDD+ has focused primarily on reducing deforestation, it largely ignores the role of defaunation—the loss of forest wildlife due to unsustainable hunting. Many tropical forests are increasingly experiencing "empty forest syndrome," where large frugivores and seed dispersers are being hunted out, leading to disruptions in seed dispersal and carbon sequestration. This study highlights how REDD+ policies fail to address the ecological role of forest fauna and argues that overlooking defaunation could compromise the long-term effectiveness of forest conservation efforts. Open access copy available |
Roles of indigenous women in forest conservation: A comparative analysis of two indigenous communities in the PhilippinesBackgroundThis study examines the roles of indigenous women in forest conservation in Nueva Ecija, Philippines: the Ikalahan-Kalanguya of Caraballo Mountain in Carranglan and the Dumagat women of Mount Mingan in Gabaldon. These communities contain the highest number of indigenous people living in or near the forest in the province and have retained indigenous forest preservation practices. Historically, people have considered indigenous peoples in the Philippines, including women, protectors of the environment. However, specific studies focusing on the direct contributions of indigenous women to forest protection are lacking. Open access copy available |
Quantifying the Impacts of Defaunation on Natural Forest Regeneration in a Global Meta-AnalysisBackgroundIntact forests provide critical ecosystem services, such as carbon storage and climate regulation, which are heavily dependent on interactions between woody vegetation and animal species. However, defaunation is altering these interactions at a global scale. While previous studies have explored the effects of defaunation on individual ecosystems, a comprehensive global analysis quantifying its impact on natural forest regeneration has been lacking. This study conducts a meta-analysis to assess how vertebrate loss influences forest regeneration across multiple regions and ecosystems, identifying key taxonomic groups and ecological processes most affected by defaunation. Available with subscription or purchase |
Synergistic Effects of Seed Disperser and Predator Loss on Recruitment Success and Long-Term Consequences for Carbon Stocks in Tropical RainforestsBackgroundDefaunation—the loss of animal species due to hunting, habitat destruction, and other anthropogenic activities—has far-reaching consequences for tropical forests. Large frugivores play a crucial role in seed dispersal, while seed predators influence recruitment success and plant population dynamics. Previous studies have primarily focused on how defaunation affects seed dispersal, often overlooking the role of seed predators and potential compensatory effects within ecosystems. This study examines how the simultaneous loss of seed dispersers and seed predators affects tree recruitment and long-term carbon storage in tropical forests. Open access copy available |
The Need for Carbon Finance Schemes to Tackle Overexploitation of Tropical Forest WildlifeBackgroundOpen access copy available |
Contrasting Effects of Defaunation on Aboveground Carbon Storage Across the Global TropicsBackgroundOpen access copy available |
