Deforestation in South America - The Reasons

The South American Continent contains some of the world’s largest and lushest rain forests. species, Flora and fauna, which is Indigenous to the region, make up the largest percentage to be found anywhere on the planet. However, improper logging and deforestation and caused these natural beauties to diminish in size day after day.

The Reasons?

The prime reasons for the large scale deforestation in this region are generally people’s need for more fertile farm land, and the profitable business of timber. These reasons dominate everyday life of the population in South America because of increasing demand for food, timber and timber products as the world population increases each and everyday.

Increasing urbanization and size of settlements has also lead to more deforestation as demand for open land space increases. Presence of natural minerals and resources in the rain forest occupied areas also contribute to significant clearing up of “forested” areas. In most cases, the cut down logs are either left to decay, and the deforested area cleared of all leftovers by burning.

In short, the forests are viewed as a obstruction to the growth of civilzation and humanity rather than a valuable and important commodity.

Specific to countries

BRAZIL

In the largest and most industrialized country on the continent, Brazil, the number one causes for deforestation are cattle ranching and soybean farming. The largest area of the amazon rain forest naturally falls within the Brazilian borders, which is also the largest country in the region by land area. In fact, Brazil contains the largest area of rain forests mass of rain forest on the planet.

In spite of this, huge amounts of rain forest in Brazil has almost been lost due to grazing, urbanization and Soybean farming.

VENEZUELA

The leading causes of deforestation in the country of Venezuela has been mining for gold and diamond deposits, which are richly situated deep inside the rain forest areas. Once again, the forests are seen as more of a hindrance to the growth of the country’s economy rather than a asset to the natural beauty.

COLOMBIA

The most unique reason for deforestation in South America may be in the context of Colombia.
Being notorious for a safe heaven for drug lords, most of the rain forest area in this country is destroyed everyday to make room for growing cocaine, marijuana, opium, and other recreational drugs.

In most cases, the drug labs are situated in the heart of these rain forests, and areas are cleared off everyday without any obvious changes to the view of the outside world