A recent study by The University of Queensland has found that despite the creation of new national parks in Queensland, Australia, tree and habitat loss are still outpacing protection. Over 21% of the state’s original woody vegetation has been lost due to decades of large-scale clearing of native trees and shrubs.
Researchers used data from 2000 to 2018 to track change and found that one-fifth of all historical loss occurred within an 18-year window, even as park coverage nearly doubled. The study highlights a mismatch between losses and gains, with approximately 20% of vegetation cleared and only about 10% protected during the same period.
The findings underscore that adding parks alone does not necessarily mean nature is safer on the ground. The authors applied a conservation balance sheet to compare protection gains against losses, which reveals that many new parks were declared in areas with lower tree clearing pressure.
However, the study found that the most heavily cleared landscapes saw little new protection. Forest loss has significant impacts beyond wildlife, including water security, stable soils, and local climate conditions, particularly during long dry periods.
The analysis also highlights that local impacts often go unnoticed in statewide reporting, despite their significant effects on daily life for people living near rapidly cleared regions. The study suggests that stopping clearing in the worst-hit areas would bring immediate benefits and recommends targeted moratoriums to protect the last remnants of habitat.
Reaching countries’ endorsed targets to conserve 30% of land and sea by 2030 requires more than just park totals; it demands protecting biodiversity-rich areas. Restoration efforts should focus on depleted environments where protection is scarcest, not only in remote or photogenic places.
The study emphasizes the importance of tracking both sides of the clearing equation and placing protection and restoration where it offsets risk. By doing so, decision-makers can make informed decisions to address tree loss and habitat fragmentation, ensuring a healthier environment for Queensland’s native species and ecosystems.
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/almost-half-of-queensland-state-is-on-the-brink-of-ecological-collapse