Scientists from the University of Oxford have assessed how deforestation and the conversion of tropical forests into oil palm plantations affect forest ecosystems. The study, conducted in Sabah (Malaysian Borneo), examined three types of sites — untouched primary forest, selectively logged forest, and forest areas converted into palm plantations. Researchers analyzed 82 indicators reflecting different aspects of forest structure, biodiversity, and ecosystem functioning — from soil nutrients and carbon storage to photosynthesis rates and the number of animal species.
The findings revealed that deforestation and land conversion significantly affected most of the measured indicators — 60 out of 82. Even moderate logging was found to alter forest structure: removing large, old trees creates canopy gaps that encourage fast-growing species with less dense wood and thinner leaves, which are more vulnerable to herbivores.
Converting logged forests into oil palm plantations, however, had an even greater impact on biodiversity. The study recorded drastic declines in the abundance and diversity of birds, mammals, insects, trees, lianas, and even soil microorganisms. Researchers attributed this to reduced food availability and the creation of a hotter, drier microclimate typical of plantation environments.
The authors concluded that tropical forests play a critical role in sustaining global biodiversity and should not be rapidly converted into palm oil plantations. They emphasized that land-use decisions must consider not only economic benefits but also the ecological value of forests, which are essential for maintaining climate stability and healthy ecosystems.
