A scientific team is studying the Bobiri forest reserve in Ghana to determine how extreme heat affects different tree species. By using thermal cameras, researchers analyze temperature discrepancies and their implications for forest health. The aim is to inform Ghana’s reforestation efforts, enhance local capabilities, and contribute to broader global data on tree growth and health in relation to climate change.
Scientists are investigating how the Bobiri forest reserve in Ghana, a tropical ecosystem, responds to extreme heat. Utilizing thermal cameras, they capture the temperature variations among different tree species and examine how these variations impact forest health. Data is sent in real-time to researchers in the UK and Ghana for analysis, with aspirations to influence tree-planting strategies and enhance local scientific capabilities.
The Bobiri Forest, spanning 55 sq km, hosts a rich variety of species, including African mahogany. It also shelters approximately 400 butterfly and moth species amid distinct wet and dry seasons. A metal tower equipped with thermal and standard cameras, alongside a weather station, monitors the forest’s canopy every ten minutes, powered by solar energy.
Globally, forests cover about one-third of Earth’s land, maintain over 80% of terrestrial flora and fauna, and play a critical role in carbon absorption. The UN Environment Programme emphasizes the importance of forest management, reforestation, and combating deforestation to mitigate global warming effectively. Senior scientist Shalom Addo-Danso noted the project’s goal is to “better understand the impact of climate change on tropical forest canopy temperatures.”
Leaf temperature is pivotal as it influences photosynthesis rates. Warmer leaves can photosynthesize efficiently until temperature thresholds are crossed, at which point efficiency declines. Research indicates significant leaf temperature elevations in the Bobiri Forest, especially for canopy and emergent tree species under direct sunlight exposure, with some evergreen leaves reaching temperatures of 40C. “When that happens, forests may cease to function as carbon sinks,” warns PhD student William Hagan Brown.
Numerous studies highlight the vulnerability of tropical forests to extreme temperatures and drought, suggesting that tailored policies based on local data could help reduce these risks. Addo-Danso emphasizes the need for specific data to craft effective reforestation strategies citing that “understanding how specific species can tolerate extreme weather is crucial.” Ghana has experienced a net loss of tree coverage but is actively restoring forest areas as part of its 2016 pledge to restore two million hectares by 2030.
Despite reforestation efforts, criticisms arise regarding the preference for non-native hardwood species, potentially compromising biodiversity. Addo-Danso is optimistic that collaborative research will reshape future policies. Additional studies focus on forest respiration and productivity, which are essential for determining overall forest health.
Under the leadership of professor Sophie Fauset, a collaborative network of researchers from various countries is examining leaf temperatures, which will improve global data collection. This project also emphasizes training local scientists like Samuel Gyekyi, who appreciates the hands-on experience gained from the initiative. Fauset’s team commits to making their findings widely accessible and aims to extend studies to other regions, including the Congo Basin. “This is a study I am proud of,” Addo-Danso concluded, acknowledging its broad research applicability.
The ongoing research in Ghana’s Bobiri forest is essential for understanding the impact of climate change on tropical forestry. It aims to inform tree-planting practices and generating localized data, which is critical for effective policy-making and forest management. With the collaborative efforts of local scientists and international researchers, this project underscores the importance of integrating practical experiences into scientific education and enhances global data on forest response to climate challenges.
Original Source: dialogue.earth
