Plants also form the basis of the trophic pyramid in all terrestrial and most marine ecosystems on which we and all other animal species inevitably depend. In addition, plants provide a vast multitude of natural resources for humanity, especially in the developing world. They provide the basis for all of our food, most medicines and many other materials essential for our daily lives.
Wildlife in tropical forests is a main source of livelihoods, and the ‘empty forest syndrome’ can have direct negative impacts on the health and well-being of forest dependent communities. The bushmeat crisis therefore reminds us of humankind’s dependence on biodiversity: the disappearance of wildlife from our forests is also a serious threat to the cultural and spiritual identity of many…