Nature Podcast

The 'ghost roads' driving tropical deforestation

Apr 10, 2024

23:01

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Researchers uncover over a million kilometers of hidden 'ghost roads' in tropical forests driving deforestation. Climate change triggers record hailstorms and astronomers detect starquakes. Groundbreaking trial grows 'mini livers' in lymph nodes. Genetic survey explores the basis of left-handedness and ambidexterity.

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Quick takeaways

Ghost roads in Asia Pacific region significantly contribute to deforestation and biodiversity decline.

Genetic survey suggests link between microtubules and brain development asymmetries influencing handedness.

Deep dives

Research on Ghost Roads in Tropical Forests

Ghost roads, often illegal or informal, are roads created for exploiting natural resources. Researchers found that there are significantly more ghost roads in the Asia Pacific region than previously documented. The study utilized volunteers and AI technology to map these hidden highways, revealing up to 6.6 times more roads than existing maps showed. The impact of these ghost roads on deforestation was substantial, contributing significantly to habitat loss and biodiversity decline.

Introduction

2min

Uncovering the Impact of 'Ghost Roads' on Tropical Deforestation

10min

Climate Change Influence on Severe Storms and Distant Starquakes

2min

Innovative Liver Treatment and Genetic Basis of Handedness

9min

Genetic Basis of Handedness and Ambidexterity Exploration

3min

In this episode:

00:46 Mapping ‘ghost roads’ in tropical forests

Across the world, huge numbers of illegal roads have been cut into forests. However, due to their illicit nature, the exact numbers of these roads and their impacts on ecosystems is poorly understood. To address this, researchers have undertaken a huge mapping exercise across the tropical Asia-Pacific region. Their findings reveal over a million kilometers of roads that don’t appear on official maps, and that their construction is a key driver for deforestation.

Research Article: Engert et al.