What are threats to temperate rainforests?

There are many threats to rainforests in general, most of which are human. Some of these threats consist of mining, introduction of new animals to the ecosystem, global warming, acid rain and most importantly, deforestation.

Simply put, deforestation is the clearance of forests. This is mainly caused by the human need for land and resources. Rainforest timber is of great value for its beauty and usefulness. However the growing process is slow, making it not economical to grow them in plantations. Another reason for the clearing of forests relates to the need of land. Such land is cleared so that people can farm, build roads and buildings. Only few remote forests have been left untouched, due to the impossibility of farming and logging.

Deforestation does not on only effects the trees but it destroys the balance of the biome. Due to the loss of habitat and food, some animals have become close to extinction and some even disappearing from the earth forever. Logging also ruins the soil of the land, removing trees loosens up the soil which was once held together by the trees. This can pollute fresh water rivers, endangering the fish species which live there. In addition, many plants are unable to grow in the disturbed land. Overall destroying the entire habitat, such damage takes millions of years to repair.