The research team combined more than 36,000 tree, root, and canopy measurements with population data on 248 vertebrate species from old-growth forests through logged forests to oil palm plantations in Borneo. The authors emphasise that old-growth forests still hold immense ecological value and high carbon stocks, and need to be left intact where possible. But this study questions the labelling of logged forests as “degraded” when they are so ecologically vibrant. Such labelling can mean these logged forest landscapes are seen as lower priorities for protection and are cleared to make way for agriculture such as oil palm. Professor Malhi concludes: ‘In tropical forests, and probably in many other ecosystems, not everything that looks broken, is broken.’
