Deforestation and Amazon River Basin - Essay Example

There are various reasons behind this high rate of deforestation in this area. One of these causes is human activities. According to Coe, Costa, and Soares-Filho (2009), “Global economic and regional population and development pressures have resulted in high rates of deforestation in the Amazon River basin and about 17% of the Amazon basin (excluding the Tocantins) has been deforested by 2007, mostly in the eastern and southern portion of the basin (p. 165)”. Primary economic activities include cattle ranching, soybean, and other cash crops production, mining, and construction of industrial and residential units in the area near the River Basin.

Hence, excessive logging, housing, road, and other infrastructure building are perceived as some of the major causes of deforestation. Selective logging and other canopy damage also endanger the existence of shade areas in the rainforests (Foley et al., 2007). Lastly, forest fires, droughts, and floods are also considered secondary causes of deforestation in the region. Excessive logging and deforestation have endangered the existence of many species of plants and animals that are present in the forest shades and streams which may face drying in the absence of rainforests.

Some of the animal species that are directly affected by this deforestation and are facing a risk of extinction include white-cheeked spider monkeys, Brazilian bare-faced tamarins, giant otters, jaguars, hyacinth Macaw, Golden Lion Tamarin, Amazon river Dolphins, poison dart frogs, black spider monkey and many other tree-dwelling species (Sample, 2012; Worldwidelife, 2013). The region has high biodiversity as it contains over 40, 000 plant species, 3000, freshwater fish species, and 370 types of reptiles (Worldwidelife, 2013).

Continued deforestation can risk the existence of all these living beings. Some of the main plants that are directly affected by deforestation are Virola and giant Kapok which are used for plywood in commercial construction (TheAmazon, 2007). Other hardwoods like teak, mahogany, and rosewood are also used extensively by locals (Wallace, 2011). Other than the extinction of plants and animals in the Amazon River Basin, deforestation can cause the migration of aquatic and terrestrial animals causing a disturbance in the regular ecosystem.

Other than species being directly affected by deforestation, the disruption faced by the ecosystem in Amazon has also risked the continuity of life in this region. Due to deforestation, soil erosion takes place which makes the deforested area unsuitable for further plantation (Coe, Costa & Soares-Filho, 2009). In addition to that, lack of humidity retention also affected water retention in springs present in the Amazon River Basin which affects the continuous supply of fresh water and also aquatic plants and animals present in it.

Furthermore, the presence of microorganisms is also affected by mass deforestation. Since these microorganisms are responsible for soil fertility, therefore further cultivation may face problems. In addition to that, the use of pesticides in plantations in the deforested area further pollutes the rest of the water reservoirs and forests which is injurious to other species. Since geographic researchers have emphasized greatly the preservation of forests in the Amazon River Basin as they contribute to more than half of the oxygen present on the planet, there are various measures that humans need to take to establish sustainable practices in and around Amazon River Basin.

It can be suggested that instead of deforesting more land for cultivation, local farmers can use effective agricultural techniques to use the land that has been degraded already. In addition to that, measures like agroforestry, poly-cultural fields, and floodplain orchards can provide more incentives to local cash crop producers (Butler, 2012). Secondly, different government policies can also help in curtailing deforestation by large corporations and local authorities. Strong surveillance in terms of corporate social responsibility by large commercial and industrial entities can ensure the safety of the Amazon River Basin.

Government can also train residents that can ensure the provision of employment for them in other fields other than just agriculture and cattle rearing. Furthermore, it is important that illegal logging is prohibited and more effective logging methodologies are employed by trained professionals only. Restricting selective logging can also limit hazards caused to surrounding soil and plantations. Instead of growing cash crops, the government can provide incentives to farmers of rainforest crops which can be less injurious to the local ecosystem and species living in it (Butler, 2012).

Amazon River Basin is a hub of large biodiversity and supports the life activity of the whole planet. Over the last few decades, deforestation due to human activities and natural disasters has greatly endangered the lives of species living in this region. Logging, and hydroelectric activities including the construction of dams, mining, etc, have caused severe damage to the life in Amazon. Where some plants and animals are directly affected by deforestation, there are many other species and living organisms that are affected by the disrupted ecosystem.

However, restrictions on selective logging, emphasis on corporate social responsibility, restrictions on large corporations, training provided to local farmers, and creating sources of employment for the local population instead of cattle ranching can help reduce the rate of deforestation.