From a distance, Spain's vast eucalyptus plantations look like thriving forests. Their dense green canopies stretch across large parts of the country's northwest, giving the impression of healthy woodland. But scientists say appearances can be deceptive.
A new study has found that these commercial plantations function very differently from native forests, supporting significantly fewer birds, insects and plants. The findings have renewed debate over the ecological cost of replacing diverse natural woodlands with fast-growing eucalyptus trees, a species introduced from Australia to fuel Spain's paper and timber industries.
