Amazon Deforestation: NASA Images Show The Great Rainforest Disappearing Deforestation is defined as the state of being clear of trees. When applying this to the rainforests of the world, it is devastating to know that nothing has seriously been done to protect the remaining areas of rainforests. Although there are non-profit organizations trying to protect the land, money and greed always conquer what is right. In Brazil, mechanized agriculture is being used rather than small farms and the making of roads that are cut through the forest for faster commute has been more important than the fact that we are losing this precious land. Experts estimate that we are losing 137 plants, animal and insect species every single day due to rainforest deforestation. That equals to 50,000 species a year. As the rainforest species disappear, so do many possible cures for life-threatening diseases. Currently, 121 prescription drugs sold worldwide come from plant-derived sources. While 25% of Western pharmaceuticals are derived from rainforest ingredients, less that 1% of these tropical trees and plants have been tested by scientists. In all areas of the world this is a huge issue that has not had a great outcome. Rainforests are being destroyed because the value of rainforest land is perceived as only the value of its timber by short-sighted governments, multi-national logging companies, and land owners. The loss of animal habitats is a huge concern to researchers in the Brazil forests. With the clearing of trees and even the roads being paved through the forest is having an effect on the species. Splitting the land and allowing cars and trucks to maneuver through the forests show a great harm to the lives of these species. Being separated for a certain side can lead to not having access to food or water. It also is a huge hazard for the species to cross the paved roads in