A landmark study led by the University of Oxford has created the world’s first global map of tropical forests based on canopy traits, shedding light on the complex functional diversity of tree canopies across the Americas, Africa and Asia.
The study, published in Nature, included contributions from leading tropical ecologists worldwide. K.A. Sreejith, Principal Scientist and Head of the Forest Ecology department at Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), was the sole Indian contributor to the study.
The research, which analysed 1,814 sites spanning 799.5 hectares, combined field data, satellite imagery and environmental information to map the distribution of canopy functional traits. Satellite data from the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-2 satellites played a crucial role in uncovering the previously unseen diversity of tropical forests.
The findings show that tropical forests in the Americas have 40% greater functional richness than those in Africa and Asia, reflecting more diverse ecological strategies. In contrast, African forests exhibit the highest functional divergence, indicating that species occupy more distinct ecological niches. Asian forests are dominated by the Dipterocarpaceae family, which significantly shapes their functional structure.
The study emphasised the impact of climate, terrain and soil composition on canopy traits, which are vital for ecological processes such as photosynthesis and transpiration.
Functional diversity
Dr. Sreejith explained, “Understanding tree traits and functional diversity is essential for assessing the resilience of forest ecosystems to climate change. These traits influence how trees acquire resources, regulate climate and provide food and habitat for wildlife.”
Providing a new perspective on the functional similarities and differences across tropical forest canopies, the study enables more accurate forecasts of the impacts of climate change, anthropogenic activities and natural disturbances, the scientist added.
Kannan C.S. Warrier, Director, KFRI, celebrated the institution’s first publication in Nature as a significant achievement, considering it a milestone in its 50-year history. The study highlights KFRI’s scientific excellence and contributions to global tropical forestry research. Researchers Prasad T.S., Vignesh P. and Arunkumar were also part of the research team that represented KFRI.
Published – March 23, 2025 07:19 pm IST