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Story summary
- Tropical ecosystems can recover in decades, not centuries, underscoring the need to preserve old forests to support recovery of younger ones.
- The Ecuador-based study was led by Dr. Timo Metz of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), with participation from scientists and local communities.
- Most animal populations can match those of pristine ecosystems within 30 years.
- About 30% of soil bacteria are permanently lost.
- Some specialized animals have not yet returned.
