Scientists are assessing the impact of extreme heat on trees in Ghana’s Bobiri Forest Reserve using thermal cameras. This research aims to inform tree-planting policies and enhance local scientific capacities. The Bobiri Forest is a vital ecosystem, and findings will contribute to global understanding of tropical forest responses to climate change. The project also supports local students and seeks to expand to additional regions for comparative analysis.
In Ghana, scientists are investigating how the trees of the Bobiri Forest reserve respond to extreme heat, employing thermal cameras to track temperature variations across different species. This study aims to assess the health of the forest and its trees, with results sent to researchers at Plymouth University for analysis. The team is focused on influencing Ghana’s tree-planting initiatives while simultaneously enhancing local scientific capacity, with aspirations for broader research expansion across Ghana and beyond.
The Bobiri Forest covers 55 square kilometers and boasts diverse native species, including African mahogany and over 400 butterfly and moth species, adapted to its distinct wet and dry seasons. At the heart of this research lies a metal tower equipped with thermal cameras and a weather station, capturing images of the canopy every ten minutes, powered by a solar panel.
Globally, forests are crucial as they cover roughly one-third of Earth’s land, house over 80% of terrestrial species, and play a significant role in carbon absorption, vital for combatting climate change. Shalom Addo-Danso from Ghana’s Forest Research Institute highlights the project’s goal as being “to better understand the impact of climate change on tropical forest canopy temperatures.” Data gathered will help assess how climate change affects tree growth and respiration.
Leaf temperature is pivotal for photosynthesis. While warmer leaves enhance photosynthesis efficiency, excessive heat may hinder it beyond a threshold. Research indicates that canopy and emergent trees possess leaves that are significantly warmer than the air temperature due to greater exposure to sunlight. Researchers explore various factors affecting these temperatures, with evergreen species sometimes reaching 40°C, raising concerns that forests may lose their carbon sink capabilities, warns William Hagan Brown, a Ghanaian PhD student.
Tropical forests are increasingly threatened by rising temperatures and droughts, necessitating localized policy development based on specific forest data. Addo-Danso emphasizes the importance of understanding species resilience to extreme weather for informing conservation efforts as Ghana faces significant tree cover loss between 2000 and 2020. The government has committed to restoring two million hectares of forest by 2030, yet concerns persist regarding the focus on non-native species in reforestation strategies.
Research into carbon absorption and respiration is crucial for guiding successful reforestation efforts. Addo-Danso asserts that findings can support policy adjustments. A collaborative network, led by Fauset, is studying leaf temperatures globally to strengthen the reliability of data, revealing the need for comprehensive understanding across different forest types.
The project also focuses on building research capacity among local students, exemplified by Samuel Gyekyi, who has gained practical experience through this initiative. The team envisions extending their research efforts throughout Ghana and into the Congo Basin, which offers contrasting climatic conditions for comparative analysis. Addo-Danso concludes by emphasizing the project’s promise not only for Ghanaian research but also for wider scientific collaboration, promoting a more comprehensive understanding of forest health and climate science.
In summary, the study of Ghana’s Bobiri Forest by scientists from Plymouth University aims to understand the effects of climate change on tree species’ health and forest functionality. The research underscores the importance of local data for policy development in reforestation efforts amid significant forest loss. With plans to expand research and build local scientific capacity, this project holds promise for both regional and global environmental science collaboration.
Original Source: dialogue.earth
