Almost half the planet's original forests have disappeared and eighty five per cent of Africa's tropical rainforest has been destroyed. All around the world illegal logging still goes on.

The UK is the third largest importer of illegal timber in the world, for house building, paper and garden furniture. Deforestation degrades the land, reduces biodiversity and changes the water cycles. Habitat loss is a key factor in the decline of many species, threatening the very existence of some, such as the orang-utan.

What you can do
Try to reduce your consumption of paper and timber, buy recycled products and choose products, such as garden furniture certified by the Forest Stewardship Council Internationally, WWF works on responsible forestry.

Read more green tips on a sustainable lifestyle or join our message board to share your views with others.

WWF has a Species and Forests team, find out more about deforestation.