[durbatuluk]

This type of measurement using quantitative data should be interpreted with care. At least here in Brazil most of places where some impact occur have an increase in net diversity and abundance. Many new sp. invade the niche left open by the former community and what you see is a shift of the entire community.

[ImaCake]

Which, while terrible to see the loss, gives me some hope that we have less power over nature than we think. A housing suburb is undeniably a less wonderful place than the forest it replaced. But life will inevitably find a way to colonise that suburb. Black birds and Camel crickets bring me hope. But I wish we would stop burning down rainforests and building boring suburbs.

[rcoveson]

> A housing suburb is undeniably a less wonderful place than the forest it replaced.

Agreed, though with the notable exception of my own housing suburb, which I prefer over whatever it may have replaced.

[rvp-x]

I am under the impression that rain forests are primarily burned down for cattle ranching or cattle feed.