China's tree patches restored forests, but reached only 19–30% of natural diversity in 20 years

Tropical forests have been heavily degraded because of human activities. (Representational photo) Planting trees across vast areas may not be the only way to restore damaged tropical forests, according to a new study. Instead, small patches of native trees can gradually help degraded forests recover.The study was carried out by Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It was published in the journal Restoration Ecology.The study of 20 years examined the long-term results of a restoration method called applied nucleation. The method involves planting small groups of native trees on a degraded tropical riparian corridor in southwest China.Riparian corridors are strips of land along rivers and streams. These areas are important because they support wildlife, protect water quality and connect different forest habitats. The researchers wanted to know whether small tree patches could help such damaged forests recover over many years.The approach worked in rebuilding forest cover and structure. However, restoring a tropical forest is a slow process. Even after two decades, the recovering forest was still in an early stage of development. It had no...