As the Amazon Burns, What Happens to Its Biodiversity?

Studies show that where fire is on the increase in Amazonia, biodiversity is altered, with unique rainforest flora and fauna — and vital ecological services — diminished. *** The number of fires burning in standing Amazon rainforest spiked dramatically in recent weeks, threatening the forest’s biodiversity — a richness of flora and fauna not adapted to withstand the flames. Of all major fires detected in the Amazon this year, 43% were in standing forests, as of Sept 21, (up from only 13% in August) according to the non-profit MAAP. The forest burned is estimated at roughly 4.6 million acres (1.8 million hectares) — an area about three-fifths the size of Belgium. Major fires in Brazil in 2020...