Part 3/9:
Upon arrival in the Abernathy Reserve, it is evident that what is often perceived as a forest is, in reality, a monoculture plantation—an ecosystem dominated by a single tree species. These plantations, densely packed with identical trees, result in a sterile environment devoid of diverse wildlife. Overcrowding inhibits natural light from reaching the forest floor, creating an inhospitable habitat where only a few hardy species can exist, ultimately leading to a lifeless “green desert.” Cameron from Planet Wild reflects on this realization, noting how unsettling it is to walk through such an artificially constructed environment.