Tree Cover Increase Threatens Grassland Bird Populations

Increasing tree cover, often seen as beneficial for nature and climate change, can negatively impact grassland ecosystems by causing woody encroachment. This phenomenon occurs when trees and shrubs spread into traditionally open areas like savannahs and grasslands, leading to more uniform ecosystems with reduced biodiversity. A recent study in Global Change Biology revealed a significant 20% decline in grassland bird populations in the African savannah due to this issue. Factors contributing to woody encroachment include disruption of natural disturbance regimes, like fire suppression and altered grazing patterns, and climate change, which favors tree growth over grasses. The encroachment alters ecosystem dynamics and increases predation risks for nati