Key Threats and Drivers

Estimates suggest that more than 70% of the original forest cover has been destroyed and only about 5,400 sq km of forest land remain on the mountains!

Forests in the Eastern Arc Mountains are increasingly endangered by a range of human activities that threaten their health and sustainability. These activities, driven by various needs and practices, disrupt the delicate balance of forest ecosystems and pose significant risks to biodiversity and environmental stability. Addressing these threats is crucial for ensuring the long-term preservation and vitality of our forests.
Key threats include:

Uncontrolled Forest Fires

Uncontrolled fires set by farmers and hunters threaten forests by causing widespread destruction of ecosystems. These fires, used to clear land or flush out game, often spread uncontrollably, leading to habitat loss, soil erosion, and increased carbon emissions, ultimately endangering biodiversity and environmental sustainability.

Conversion to farmland

Communities near forests often cut down trees to clear land for crops, leading to deforestation and soil degradation. This practice disrupts local ecosystems and threatens long-term agricultural sustainability.

Illegal timber harvesting

Excessive timber harvesting without replanting leads to severe forest depletion. This practice diminishes forest cover, disrupts ecosystems, and reduces biodiversity, ultimately compromising the long-term health and sustainability of the forest environment.

To combat forest degradation, EAMCEF introduced alternative income-generating activities including livestock keeping (goats, cows, pigs, fish, chickens, and beekeeping), terrace farming, and tree planting. These efforts offer sustainable income sources and enhance land management, aiding in forest restoration and reducing dependence on harmful practices.