A Forest So Big It Takes Centuries to Discover it All

Last week there were headlines in the news about an important discovery.  Scientists, researchers, and environmental experts came together to present their findings of approximately 12,000 tree species identified in the Amazon Rainforest.

This report is the result of 300 years of reporting on trees in this region – a first effort at studying tree diversity according to Nigel Pitman the tropical forest ecologist of the Field Museum in Chicago.  Many species studies are focused on the wildlife that forests house, however it’s equally as important to learn about the forest diversity itself.

As discussed in the six pillars of tree planting blog about biodiversity, many living species depend on trees for their survival.  If we want the Earth to be filled with a diverse assortment of wildlife for example, we need to ensure that there exists a diverse assortment of trees. 

While the news about their findings is incredibly impressive, the bonus is that given how many tree species are known to exist, there are a still a few more decades of discovery. 

This is great news in the world of trees for a couple of different reasons.  These findings prove that the Amazon Rainforest is full of life, despite constant tree cover loss through deforestation. 

The study also sheds light on the importance of this massive forest, and the role which conservation plays in sustaining biodiversity.

More details on the study can be found here in an article shared through Nature World News.  

Amazon Rainforest’s 12,000 Tree Species Recorded in 300 Years, More Species Left to Discover

In order for scientists and researchers to realize their goal of compiling a list of all the tree species that exist within the Amazon, deforestation needs to be halted.  This precious land cannot continue to be lost in order for consumers to have more goods.  It’s not worth the expense, especially when products are often sold below their true market value.

This is where being a conscious customer comes into practice.  Buyer beware, are the products you purchase impacting the environment in a negative way?  If so, is there an alternative brand that can lessen this negative impact?  If not, can you go without said product?

These are important questions that we can begin to ask ourselves if we would like to see a forest as fascinating as the Amazon stand tall for generations to come.

What’s your favorite tree friendly product?  We want to hear about it!  Comment below, or connect on social media.