A new study from researchers at the University of Cambridge has revealed that the loss of tropical forests due to rubber plantations is more substantial than previously thought. The study, published in Nature Communications, found that the loss of biodiversity associated with rubber plantations is particularly pronounced in Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Thailand. The researchers used satellite imagery to examine the extent of forest loss and identified areas where rubber plantations are the primary cause. They found that rubber plantations are responsible for up to 8.5 million hectares of forest loss in the region, with Vietnam and Thailand having the highest levels of forest loss due to rubber plantations. The study also revealed that the impacts of rubber plantations on biodiversity are pervasive, with species like the Sumatran elephant, Sumatran tiger, and Sumatran rhinoceros being particularly affected by the loss of their natural habitat. The study highlights the need for better land use planning and management in the region to ensure that the biodiversity of the region is preserved and protected.

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source: Phys.org