Local species extinction occurs when native forest is cleared-felled and burnt after logging. There is an irrefutable body of world-wide scientific evidence that the cumulative effect of this practice results in degradation of forest biodiversity and habitat. For example, loss of very old trees with big hollows destroys the home of large creatures such as the Powerful Owl. Removal of trees with smaller hollows destroys the habitat for possums; the owl's prey and primary food source. Clearing and rotation cycles mean that trees outside protected areas will not grow old enough to re-establish forest ecosystems. In effect, biodiverse native forest is being converted to native tree plantations.
Continued local species extinction greatly increases the threat of total species extinction; it might take 20 years to happen, as remnant populations dwindle then disappear forever. Leadbeater's possum, Victoria's faunal emblem, is particularly vulnerable, as thorough scientific studies in the Central Highlands forest have indicated. There is a lot more to forest ecosystems than just trees. Sadly, full ecological inventories of forest ecosystems are not made, so we really don't know what we are losing or have already lost.
It is difficult to understand why the shameful destruction of native forests is being locked in place by Regional Forest Agreements for the next 20 years, with the support of both State and Federal governments. Existing plantation alternatives offer more jobs and superior timber products.
I hold out hope that consumers will make informed decisions when purchasing
wood and paper products and force the irresponsible logging and woodchip
industries to lift their game, in line with the wishes of over 80 per cent
of Australians who want our native forests protected.