Cattle ranching has been blamed for around 80% of all deforestation in the Amazon rainforest. Trees are removed to make space for rearing cattle in order to produce beef for the global market. Other agricultural activities have also contributed to deforestation, such as growing soya beans to be used for animal feed. Both of these products have increased as global demand for meat has risen.
The Amazon rainforest is home to tropical hardwoods such as mahogany and rosewood, which can be sold at high prices to be made into furniture. Wood is also used for fuel and for building materials both locally and nationally. A key challenge for managing deforestation is controlling the illegal logging that takes place.
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