Invertebrates² perform essential functions for the smooth running of the ecosystems³ in tropical forests. For example, creatures such as termites⁵ and millipedes help dead leaves decompose⁶ and release their nutrients⁷ back into the soil, and carnivorous ants and spiders act as predators⁸ of herbivorous invertebrates that would otherwise munch⁹ through all the foliage¹⁰. Nearly a half of all tropical rainforests worldwide have been logged, and this often causes heavy changes to the number and type of invertebrates, with many species being lost from the ecosystem⁴.

 

New research led by biologists from Imperial College London, published in Nature Communications, has discovered that when invertebrate¹ diversity declines, their vital functions can be carried out by other members of the ecosystem.

 

The result shows that rainforest ecosystems have a remarkable¹¹ resilience to change. "Invertebrates are often thought of as the controllers of tropical forests, so it's surprising that people can upset their dominance to this level," said lead author Dr Robert Ewers¹² from the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial.

 

Although the ecosystem can continue to function with vertebrates taking more of a leading role, Dr Ewers says the situation leaves rainforests vulnerable: "The forest will keep maintaining itself, but it will be much more susceptible¹³ to further change. Relying on vertebrates is a bad tactic¹⁴ -- they are less diverse and vulnerable to new challenges such as land use change."

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