Researchers studied 1,561 forest plots across 10 tropical countries; non-native trees formed 28% of stems in young moist forests, but declined as the canopy returned

Young tropical forests show many non-native trees while canopies remain open. As forests mature and canopies close, these non-native species tend to decrease. This pattern was observed across ten tropical countries in a recent study. Early forest regeneration is vulnerable to invasive species, which can establish easily. Understanding these dynamics aids effective forest restoration planning and native ecosystem recovery.