The fourth in our seven part series of how to spot a healthy forest

4. Biodiversity
Forests are complex ecosystems with lives of their own, and every leaf counts. Even the smallest piece of the system, from a bird to a beetle is needed to support every other piece. All forest animals, in particular, need a clean, safe water supply, as well as specific foods for nourishment. Some animals require certain “microclimates”, which are the unique conditions resulting from particular groups of plants or land forms. Biodiversity represents the diversity of life in a thriving forest, which helps make it stronger and better able to withstand outside threats that can destroy it, like infestations and disease. Image 1, Wedge Tailed Eagle chicks - courtesy of Bronwyn Ellis; Image 2 Euphrasia arguata; Image 3 Hastings River mouse, Styx river, held by B Law