Uncontrolled harvesting of E Cape forests harms birds
A groundbreaking study on bark harvesting and tree removal has shown these unregulated practices harm bird diversity and the overall vulnerability of the forest ecosystem.
Researchers at Stellenbosch University have conducted a study into how the unregulated harvesting of bark, timber and poles is impacting the ecosystem of forests.
They analysed five different forested areas in the Eastern Cape – the province home to 46% of SA’s forested land.
The researchers examined 64 different bird species spread across the Mqaba, Manubi, Ntlaboya, Gomo and Pirie forests.
In order to gather the best data, they focused on the nuanced roles filled by birds in nature instead of just looking at the number of species.
“Species that perform more diverse and specialised roles in a forest are more likely to be more sensitive to disturbance,” PhD student and lead researcher Jessica Leaver said.
What the scientists found doing field research was troubling.
Nearly 30% of the trees with missing bark due to unregulated bark removal in these areas were ‘ring-barked’, meaning the bark had been ripped off around the entire circumference of the tree.
This leaves the tree exposed, and ensures it will die because it is unable to transfer water from its roots to its branches – having a major impact on birds.
Birds need thriving forests to survive, but people are also dependent on them for survival.
Stellenbosch University ecologist professor Mike Cherry said millions of households relied on forest resources, because in many cases they drove business.
He said: “The needs of people are also very important.”
However, he said: “[The forests] are open accessed systems, and they aren’t fenced,” adding that solutions were being researched that considered all stakeholders.
“Many different species of birds play very important roles in these forests, such as with the dispersal of seeds and pollination.
“When these birds and the functions they perform start to disappear, the overall health and resilience of the forest is affected,” he said.