A study conducted by the University of the Americas and the National Biodiversity Institute (Inabio) revealed that 41% of the endemic trees of the Ecuadorian Amazon are in serious danger of extinction. This analysis highlights that species of medium or small height and those with limited distribution areas are the most vulnerable.
The research pointed out that certain characteristics, such as the size of the fruits, the maximum height reached by the species, and their distribution range, are closely linked to a higher risk of disappearance.
On the other hand, the study, led by Juan Ernesto Guevara-Andino, Daniel Navas-Muñoz, and María José Endara, warned about the alarming level of deforestation in the Ecuadorian Amazon. According to the researchers, a loss of 27% of forest cover is projected for the coming years, and 21% of the forested areas that house most of the endemic tree species have already been deforested.
This intensified the threats to these species and deteriorated their conservation status, as indicated by the report, which compiled data accumulated over more than 30 years of research.
Proposals for the conservation of the Ecuadorian Amazon
The study suggests several solutions to curb the growing threat to endemic trees, including:
- Expand protected areas in indigenous territories.
- Translate current conservation policies into specific strategies for sustainable use.
Regional relevance
The study results also corroborate previous analyses indicating that more than 50% of all Amazon tree species are likely in danger, with rare and endemic species being the most affected. Furthermore, researchers suggest that similar situations could be occurring in other Amazon countries such as Colombia, Brazil, and Peru, warning that the impact could increase under future deforestation and climate change scenarios.
The Ecuadorian Amazon, recognized for its extraordinary tree biodiversity, harbors around 5,400 tree species throughout the region, with more than 650 species present in a single hectare. However, only 3% of these species are endemic. Land use change and habitat loss are accelerating their disappearance, with projections estimating extinction rates between 9% and 28% by 2050.
The report emphasizes the urgency to protect this region to ensure the survival of its endemic species and maintain the unique biodiversity of the Amazon.
What is the total area covered by the Amazon?
The Amazon spans an area of approximately 7.7 million square kilometers, which is over 13 times the size of the Iberian Peninsula. This place houses the largest tropical forest in the world and extends across nine South American countries: Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela, and French Guiana.
Furthermore, the Amazon is a rich and diverse ecosystem, home to millions of plant species, insects, birds, and other forms of life. It is also important for local and global climates, as tropical forests absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and produce oxygen.
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