An "extinction crisis" is happening in Britain's temperate rainforests where some of the world's rarest mosses, lichens and liverworts are vanishing, ecologists have warned. Also known as Celtic rainforests, temperate rainforests are found primarily along the UK's western coasts. Asurvey of Welsh rainforestsin 2024 found only 22% were in a good condition due to pollution, fragmentation and invasive species. "When this tree came down, in a flash we lost a species," said ecologist Sabine Nouvet about a 500-year-old oak in Eryri National Park, also known as Snowdonia, which fell duringStorm Darragh in December. The tree was home to one of the UK's best known populations of a rarelichen, the loss of which was "symbolic of the species crisis, the extinction crisis, that we are facing now", said Ms Nouvet. Ms Nouvet, a rainforest advisor with PlantLife, a member of the Alliance for Wales' Rainforests, said the fallen tree's bark was once home to more than 60 types of lichen. The rarest was the minuscule rinodina isidioides - its tiny structures, when seen through a hand lens, resemble its common name, skeletal fingers. It lives only on trees at least 300 years old and in conditions found exclusively in the rain-soaked valleys of western Ireland and Britain. Temperate rainforests occur on less than 1% of the planet's surface and Wales has internationally important examples of the habitat. The special habitat's twisted branches, dappled light and moss-covered understorey once covered much of the country, but is now only found in isolated areas including the Woodland Trust's Coed Felenrhyd near Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd. December's storm "hammered the forests around here", said Ms Nouvet. She said at least six ancient trees, described as "grandmothers" of the forest, were lost in Coed Felenrhyd. The presence of skeletal finger on one of those trees indicated "that this valley has got clean air, it has ancient forest, that this tree was, for some reason, really old and then we lost it", she added. There is hope the skeletal finger species can hang on in the valley after clippings were relocated to five other old trees nearby. Ms Nouvet said the aim was for the clippings to seed the bark below, but the process could take up to a decade. There is about 33,024 hectares, or 46,000 football pitches, of rainforest left in Wales. Storms are just one of the threats to ancient woodlands such as Coed Felenrhyd which, according to the State of Wales Rainforest report, cover just 4.3% of country's rainforest landscape. Much of this rainforest lacks connectivity to similar habitats because it is surrounded by farms or woodlands planted with non-native species. Some are grazed inappropriately, the survey said, and many are affected by rhododendrons that smother the forest floor in a dense shade that native species cannot tolerate. Farmer and retired forester Aled Thomas said the Celtic rainforest had been "grazed since the beginning of time", leading to the formation of these woodlands. But conservation efforts in the past saw many ancient woodlands fenced off. "They have grown wild with invasive species coming in so none of the natural flowers associated with this type of woodland have been present," Mr Thomas explained. Mr Thomas grazes small Dexter cattle in Coed y Gribin, a pocket of rainforest managed by the RSPB near Dolgellau. "They will provide a habitat for a much more diverse species range by their hooves marking the ground, driving in acorns, rolling on the ground and they'll graze anything and everything," he said. "They eat brambles like they are having supper." Each animal is fitted with a GPS tracker and an alarm that trains them to keep to areas that need grazing and away from sensitive parts of the forest. "The landscape has changed dramatically because the cows have been here for about three seasons and you notice there's very little bracken and there are bluebells coming up." Mr Thomas said farms with more woodlands were the key to linking up isolated parts of the rainforest. "You just don't need a field for growing cows, you can grow food by grazing in woodland and the benefits from that are huge to the forest and the farm." Wales has a global responsibility to protect the Celtic rainforest, said PlantLife's Adam Thorogood. "We've got a really unique situation here in Wales where we've got some vital areas of habitat, a type of rainforest we don't really find anywhere else on Earth. "People don't even realise that we have temperate rainforest here... right on your doorstep. "It's there to be explored, there to be enjoyed, and there's a huge diversity of species of plant but also other flora and fauna." He said interest from the public in the Celtic rainforest was coming at a time when it was under enormous pressure and significant investment was needed to secure its future. Natural Resources Wales has been asked to comment.
Celtic rainforest facing species 'extinction crisis'
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Ecologists Warn of Extinction Crisis in Britain's Celtic Rainforests"
Bbc News
7.1
TruthLens AI Summary
Britain's temperate rainforests, also known as Celtic rainforests, are currently facing an alarming 'extinction crisis', as highlighted by ecologists. These unique ecosystems, primarily located along the western coasts of the UK, are home to some of the world’s rarest species of mosses, lichens, and liverworts. A recent survey of Welsh rainforests revealed that only 22% of these areas are in a good condition, largely due to pollution, habitat fragmentation, and the invasion of non-native species. A significant incident underscoring this crisis occurred when a 500-year-old oak tree in Eryri National Park fell during Storm Darragh in December 2023. This tree was critical to the survival of a rare lichen species, the rinodina isidioides, which thrives on ancient trees and is now at risk of extinction. Ecologist Sabine Nouvet emphasized that the loss of such a tree symbolizes the broader species crisis affecting these vital ecosystems. The bark of the fallen oak once supported over 60 types of lichen, showcasing the rich biodiversity that is now threatened by environmental changes and extreme weather events.
The temperate rainforests of Wales, which cover approximately 33,024 hectares, are integral to the country’s ecological landscape, yet they are under severe threat from multiple factors, including climate change and invasive species like rhododendrons. Many areas have become fragmented, lacking connectivity to other habitats, which exacerbates the risks to their biodiversity. Farmer Aled Thomas noted that traditional grazing practices have changed, leading to the encroachment of invasive species that outcompete native flora. However, he advocates for the use of livestock, such as Dexter cattle, to help restore these habitats by promoting a diverse range of plant life. The situation calls for urgent conservation efforts, as Wales has a unique global responsibility to protect these rainforests. PlantLife's Adam Thorogood highlighted the necessity for public awareness and investment to ensure the future of the Celtic rainforest, which remains an underappreciated yet vital part of the UK's natural heritage. As interest in these ecosystems grows, it is crucial to address the pressures they face to preserve their unique biodiversity for future generations.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the urgent issue of biodiversity loss in Britain's temperate rainforests, particularly focusing on the extinction crisis affecting rare species like mosses, lichens, and liverworts. It emphasizes the fragility of these ecosystems, which are significantly impacted by environmental factors such as pollution, invasive species, and climate-related events.
Environmental Awareness and Conservation Efforts
There is a clear intention to raise awareness about the plight of temperate rainforests in the UK, particularly in Wales. The mention of specific species and the dramatic loss of a 500-year-old oak tree serves to illustrate the broader implications of ecosystem degradation. By providing concrete examples, the article seeks to engage the public in discussions about conservation and the importance of protecting these unique habitats.
Public Perception and Community Impact
The article aims to evoke a sense of urgency and responsibility among readers. It encourages communities to recognize the value of their natural environments and the species that inhabit them. By portraying the loss of species as not just an environmental issue but a crisis, the article attempts to mobilize public support for conservation initiatives. This aligns with the growing global narrative around climate change and biodiversity loss.
Potential Omissions and Underlying Issues
While the article focuses on the extinction crisis, it may downplay the socioeconomic factors that contribute to environmental degradation, such as industrial development and land use policies. There might be a risk of oversimplifying the issue by not addressing the complexities of human impact on these ecosystems. This could lead to a perception that the crisis is solely an environmental issue, rather than one interlinked with economic and social systems.
Manipulative Elements
The article has a moderate level of manipulative elements, primarily through its emotive language and vivid imagery when describing the loss of ancient trees and rare species. By using phrases like "extinction crisis," it aims to create a sense of urgency. The symbolic loss of the oak tree is designed to resonate emotionally with the audience, potentially leading them to advocate for change.
Credibility of the Information
The information presented appears credible, as it references specific studies and expert opinions from ecologists. The inclusion of data, such as the percentage of Welsh rainforests in good condition, adds to its reliability. However, the overall narrative could be perceived as biased towards a conservationist perspective, which may affect its objectivity.
Connection to Broader Issues
This article is part of a larger discourse on environmental degradation, climate change, and biodiversity loss. It connects with ongoing conversations in media about the importance of sustainability and the need for action against ecological threats. The emphasis on local ecosystems could inspire broader movements advocating for environmental reforms.
Reactions from Various Communities
The article is likely to resonate more with environmentalist groups, researchers, and communities invested in conservation efforts. These audiences are generally more receptive to discussions about biodiversity and ecological preservation, as they align with their values and goals.
Economic Implications
In terms of economic impact, the article could influence sectors related to conservation and sustainable tourism. Companies and investments focusing on eco-friendly practices may gain traction as public awareness grows. Additionally, the emphasis on rare species could affect local policies related to land use and conservation funding.
Geopolitical Context
While the article primarily addresses local ecological issues, it reflects broader global concerns about biodiversity and environmental sustainability. It aligns with international discussions on climate policy and ecosystem protection, making it relevant in today’s context of increasing environmental awareness.
Artificial Intelligence Influence
It is possible that AI tools were used in the drafting or analysis of this article, particularly for data compilation or language optimization. Models like natural language processing could enhance the clarity and impact of the message. However, the emotional tone and specific examples suggest a human touch in the writing, aimed at engaging readers effectively.
In conclusion, the article serves to inform and mobilize public consciousness regarding the extinction crisis in temperate rainforests, while potentially omitting broader socioeconomic factors. It is credible and relevant, although it may carry some manipulative undertones to prompt action.