Oxford professor: 'We had not expected the logged forest to be so ecologically vibrant'

Researchers at the University of Oxford are challenging the perception of logged tropical forests as "degraded" by revealing their vibrant ecological health. The study, published in Nature, demonstrates that logged rainforests exhibit amplified and diverse ecosystem energetics, with a flow of energy that surpasses that of old-growth forests.

The groundbreaking study, titled "Logged tropical forests have amplified and diverse ecosystem energetics," overturns conventional assumptions and emphasizes the importance of reevaluating the labeling and protection of these ecosystems, a news release from the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom said.

Yadvinder Malhi, ecosystem science professor at the UK-based University of Oxford and lead author on the 2022 study, said the results came as a surprise. "We had not expected the logged forest to be so ecologically vibrant," he said.

The research team took extreme care to examine the ecological energy flow in logged rainforests, comparing it to that of old-growth forests and oil palm plantations in Borneo. Combining over 36,000 measurements of trees, roots and canopies with population data on 248 vertebrate species, the researchers discovered that the energy flow in logged forests was 2.5 times greater than in their old-growth counterparts. 

The study's results carry significant implications for conservation efforts and land-use decisions. While the authors emphasize the ecological value and carbon stocks of old-growth forests, they stress the need to protect and prioritize logged forests that display robust ecological health.

"Not everything that looks broken is broken," Malhi said in cautioning against dismissing logged forests for oil palm plantations.

Dr. Matthew Struebig, a co-author and Reader in Conservation Science at the United Kingdom-based University of Kent, shed light on the extensive fieldwork required for the study. 

"In the early morning, ornithologists listened out for birds, while evenings were spent catching bats in special traps," he said. The researchers used trail cameras and cage traps over 77,000 combined nights, gathering key data on elusive mammals such as tree shrews, sun bears and elephants. 

Dr. Terhi Riutta, a co-author and post-doctoral researcher at the University of Exeter, acknowledged the dedication of their partners and research assistants in Malaysia, who tackled meticulous fieldwork despite trying circumstances. Praise also came from Robert Ewers, professor at the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial College London, who said: "This study shows how meticulous and joined-up research across a wide range of species can yield surprising and important new insights into the nature of ecosystems in a human-dominated world."

By recognizing the ecological vibrancy of these forests, policymakers and stakeholders can make informed decisions that prioritize their protection and contribute to the preservation of global biodiversity. The study, conducted by the University of Oxford researchers, serves as a significant step toward reevaluating the notion of logged forests as "degraded" and highlights the need for comprehensive research that spans various species and ecosystem functions. With these findings in mind, a more nuanced approach to land-use management can be pursued, one that takes into account the ecological value and functionality of logged tropical forests in the face of increasing environmental challenges.