Q. Give an idea of the distribution and ecological characteristics of the tropical rainforests and explain the causes of its rapid degradation.
12,Sep 2024
Posted By : SPM IAS Academy
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Tropical rainforests are among the Earth’s most diverse and vital ecosystems, characterized by high rainfall, dense vegetation, and rich biodiversity. These forests are found near the equator and play a crucial role in global ecological balance. However, they are under threat due to various anthropogenic activities. In India, tropical rainforests are present primarily in the northeastern region, along with other global regions like the Amazon Basin, Central Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Distribution of Tropical Rainforests
Amazon Basin (South America): The largest tropical rainforest, spanning across Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and other South American countries.
Central Africa (Congo Basin): The second-largest rainforest area, covering countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and Gabon.
Southeast Asia: Rainforests are found in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra.
Northeast India: Tropical rainforests in India are concentrated in the northeastern states, particularly in regions like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Mizoram, and parts of Meghalaya. These forests are part of the Eastern Himalayas, a global biodiversity hotspot.
Ecological Characteristics of Tropical Rainforests
High Biodiversity: Tropical rainforests are the most biodiverse ecosystems, home to a vast array of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic. Northeast India’s forests, for example, support species like the Hoolock gibbon, clouded leopard, and numerous orchids.
Climate:- A. High Rainfall: These forests receive abundant rainfall ranging from 2000 to 4000 mm annually. In Northeast India, the forests benefit from the southwest monsoon with places like Cherrapunji in Meghalaya being among the wettest areas on Earth. B. Temperature: Hot and humid with average daily temperature being 27 degree Celsius.
Multi-layered Structure: Tropical rainforests have a complex vertical structure, including layers such as the emergent, canopy, understory, and forest floor. This stratification supports diverse life forms at each level, contributing to the ecosystem’s overall richness.
Nutrient Cycling: The warm and humid conditions promote rapid decomposition, leading to efficient nutrient cycling. However, the soils are typically nutrient-poor, with nutrients rapidly taken up by vegetation. This characteristic is evident in the northeastern rainforests of India, where nutrient cycling is crucial for maintaining dense forest cover.
Carbon Storage: Tropical rainforests are significant carbon sinks, absorbing large amounts of CO2 and helping to mitigate climate change. The forests in Northeast India contribute to carbon sequestration, vital for regional and global climate regulation.
Causes of Rapid Degradation of Tropical Rainforests
Deforestation for Agriculture: In many regions, including Northeast India, shifting agriculture (jhum cultivation) has traditionally been practiced. While sustainable in the past, population pressure has led to shortened fallow periods, resulting in forest degradation. Globally, agriculture expansion for crops like soy, palm oil, and cattle ranching is a significant driver of deforestation.
Logging: Unsustainable logging, often illegal, is a major threat. High-value hardwood species are targeted, leading to habitat destruction. In Northeast India, logging for timber and firewood has contributed to forest depletion.
Infrastructure Development: The construction of roads, dams, and other infrastructure projects fragments forests, making them more accessible for exploitation. In the northeastern states of India, infrastructure projects like roads and hydroelectric dams have led to significant forest loss.
Mining: Mining activities, particularly for coal and limestone in Meghalaya, have caused large-scale deforestation and environmental degradation. Globally, mining for minerals and fossil fuels poses similar threats to tropical rainforests.
Climate Change: Altered rainfall patterns, increased temperatures, and extreme weather events due to climate change are disrupting tropical ecosystems. In Northeast India, changes in monsoon patterns have impacted the health of the rainforests.
Slash-and-Burn Agriculture: While traditionally sustainable, the practice of slash-and-burn (jhum) agriculture has become unsustainable due to increasing population pressure, leading to forest degradation. This issue is prevalent in the northeastern states of India and is mirrored in other tropical rainforest regions worldwide.
Over-exploitation of Resources: The demand for forest products, such as timber, fuelwood, and non-timber forest products (NTFPs), has led to over-exploitation. This depletes resources faster than they can regenerate, a concern in both Northeast India and other tropical rainforest regions.
Thus, tropical rainforests are crucial for maintaining global biodiversity, climate stability, and ecological balance. In Northeast India, these forests are particularly important due to their unique species and cultural significance. However, rapid degradation due to deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, logging, and climate change poses a severe threat. Immediate and coordinated efforts are required to protect and restore these vital ecosystems to ensure their continued contribution to the environment and human well-being.
