Replanted forests and those left to recover after logging activities can preserve vital insect and plant life in a similar way to old-growth forests, scientists have found, as interest grows in expanding the world's forests to curb climate change.

A 13-year study led by researchers at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University in Suzhou, China, examined the diversity of beetle and shrub species in different forest types across China.

The scientists found little difference in biodiversity between replanted, naturally regrown and undisturbed forests.