Deforestation happens when forests are permanently destroyed. The main culprits? Cutting down trees to make room for housing and urbanization, harvesting timber for commercial uses and creating room for cattle ranching or farming. In addition to destroying animal habitat, deforestation contributes to climate change and it also leads to soil erosion. Here is the latest science news about deforestation and how it is affecting our world.
Latest about deforestation
Shapeshifting rusty river winds through Madagascar's 'red lands'
Earth from space This 2018 astronaut photo shows the rust-colored waters of Madagascar's Betsiboka River winding through a complex series of mangrove islands. Both the river and islands have been altered in recent years by destructive human practices.
Giant 1.5-foot-long rat that can crack open coconuts photographed for 1st time on remote island
After years of failed attempts, scientists have finally succeeded in snapping images of an extremely rare, enormous rat that is so big it can reportedly chew through coconuts on the Solomon Islands.
Tropical rainforests could get too hot for photosynthesis and die if climate crisis continues, scientists warn
Data collected by the International Space Station has revealed a small fraction of leaves in the world's tropical rainforests are already exceeding peak temperatures, and scientists warn that this could increase.
World's only known albino giant anteater appears to be thriving in the wild, photos show
The white anteater, known as Alvin, was first spotted late last year clinging to his mother's back.
Deforestation: Facts, causes & effects
Deforestation can include clearing the land for farming or livestock, or using the timber for fuel, construction or manufacturing.
Which animals are most likely to survive climate change?
What animal species will survive projected future droughts, rising temperatures and habitat loss?
What Was Behind Mysterious Collapse of the Mayan Empire?
New research points out that the Mayans themselves had a hand in the demise of their empire.
Mongol Invasion in 1200 Altered Carbon Dioxide Levels
The Mongol invasion may have caused a small reduction in global CO2, though it was overshadowed by agriculture.
