More trees can mean fewer birds: Scientists planted trees to help nature, but grassland birds became over 70% rarer near new shelterbelts, exposing a conservation paradox few people expect

A Japanese study reveals tree planting for biodiversity on farms can backfire. Farmland wetlands near tree shelterbelts saw over a 70% drop in grassland birds. While shrub and edge birds benefited, open-habitat species suffered. This highlights how tree planting’s impact on bird communities varies significantly with habitat type, urging careful consideration for conservation efforts.