Ecological Consequences of Forest Change on Insect Vector Abundance, Extinction Risk, and Disease Transmission

Abstract

Forest ecosystems, covering approximately 31% of Earth's land area, are critical in maintaining biodiversity and regulating ecological processes. However, deforestation, fragmentation, and climate change significantly impact forest structure and function, with profound consequences on insect vector populations and disease transmission dynamics. Insects, particularly vectors of diseases such as malaria, dengue, and Lyme disease, rely heavily on forest habitats for breeding, feeding, and shelter. Forest alterations disrupt these habitats, leading to increased vector abundance and disease transmission risk. Deforestation, fragmentation, and urbanization can alter the distribution of vector species, including mosquitoes and ticks, pushing them into human-dominated environments and enhancing their interaction with human populations. Additionally, climate change further exacerbates these effects by influencing temperature and precipitation patterns, extending vector breeding seasons and altering geographic distribution. This review synthesizes the ecological consequences of forest changes on insect vector abundance, extinction risk, and disease transmission, focusing on how forest disturbances influence vector behavior and contribute to the spread of vector-borne diseases. We explore case studies on malaria transmission in sub-Saharan Africa, Lyme disease in North America, and Zika outbreaks in South America, highlighting the role of forest change in altering vector habitats and increasing disease risk. This review also emphasizes the need for integrated approaches to forest management and disease control, advocating for sustainable practices and ecological restoration to mitigate the health risks associated with forest degradation. It calls for increased public health awareness and policies that recognize the interconnectedness of ecosystem health and disease dynamics.