Conserving dry tropical forests

The most threatened of major tropical forest types is the tropical dry forest. They are threatened for many different reasons. The expensive land that is generally used for agricultural production is clear cut. This does very serious damage to the anticipated restoration of the site by conservationists who are working to stop the sellers. These sellers have much influence in local politics and will hold these positions well into the future. Fortunately, much of this cleared land could be properly restored if the proper seed sources are present. Properly manipulated, domestic animals may be our best hope in combating the ever present threat of fire. These animals help to disperse seeds into the pastures and graze off of the grasses that would provide the fuel for the next dry season's grass fires. Restoration ecology is working to preserve these forests and maintain their rich biodiversity. The real well-being will rest in the hands of the policy makers.