People are rapidly destroying the world's rain forests. In 1950, rain forests covered about 8,700,000 square miles (22,533,000 square km) of the earth. This area would cover about three-quarters of Africa. Today,
less than half the original extent of the earth's rain forest remains. In such regions as Madagascar, Sumatra, and the Atlantic coast of Brazil, only small patches still stand. Few rain forest species can adjust to severe disturbance of their habitat. Most perish when people clear large areas of forest. Scientists estimate that tropical deforestation wipes out about 7,500 species per year. Commercial logging, agricultural, mining and hydroelectric dams have all damaged or wiped out extensive areas of rain forest..
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