The greatest danger comes from slowly-growing trees with dense wood and long lifespans, especially those found in tropical and subtropical forests. They play a key role in ecosystems, providing long-term stability and carbon storage. Fast-growing species, such as acacia, eucalyptus, and pine, with their light foliage and low wood density, are taking their place.
“Although such species adapt well and grow, they are more susceptible to drought, storms, pests, and climate change. This undermines the stability of forests,” notes Professor Jens-Christian Svenning from Aarhus University.
The most serious consequences are expected in tropical and subtropical regions, where many slowly-growing species have limited ranges. They may completely disappear due to habitat destruction. Approximately 41% of naturalized tree species that have been introduced from other areas exhibit traits that allow them to survive in disturbed conditions; however, they rarely fulfill the ecological functions of local species.
The primary cause of these changes is human activity: deforestation, climate change, intensive forest use, and global trade in species. Scientists are calling for a reassessment of forest management methods, suggesting a focus on slowly-growing and rare species when creating new plantations to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
