forestdependent

Forest-dependent describes organisms, populations, or human communities that rely on forest ecosystems for food, shelter, breeding, or livelihood security. The term is commonly used in ecology, conservation, and natural-resource management to distinguish species with specific habitat needs from generalists that can persist in non-forest environments.

Forest-dependent species often require intact forest structure, including canopy cover, understory, dead wood, and seasonal resources. Examples include many large mammals such as tigers, orangutans, and jaguars; arboreal birds; amphibians sensitive to microclimate; and certain insects and fungi. These species are frequently vulnerable to habitat loss and fragmentation because small, isolated patches may fail to retain reproduction opportunities or food supply.

Human communities may also be forest-dependent, relying on forests for timber, non-timber forest products, medicine, fuel, and cultural practices. In some regions, livelihood security and cultural identity are closely tied to forest health.

Conservation approaches for forest-dependent entities emphasize habitat protection, sustainable forestry, restoration, and landscape connectivity. Protected areas, community-led management, indigenous stewardship, and incentives for preserving forest cover are common strategies.

Research and policy often use the descriptor to prioritize species or communities that require forest habitat, particularly in biodiversity assessments, environmental impact analyses, and land-use planning.