Case Study - TRF Malaysia Flashcards
Background
LIC in SE Asia
70% TRF, with 20% not being interfered with
Fastest rate of deforestation in the world
Orangutans adaptations
Large arms to swing & support in the tree canopy
Drip Tips adaptation
Allows heavy rain to run off leaves easily
Lianas / Vines adaptations
Climb trees to reach sunlight at canopy
Buttress roots adaptations
Provide support for tallest trees to reach sunlight
Why is there high biodiversity?
- warm and wet climate encourages vegetation growth
- rapid recycling of nutrients
- most of rainforest is untouched
Main issues with biodiversity decline
- humans are threatening keystone species (species that are important for other species)
- could cause tribes to struggle to survive
- extinction of some flora & fauna
- extinction of key medical plants
Causes of deforestation
- logging
- mineral extraction
- road construction
- agriculture
- tourism
- energy development
Deforestation - logging
- most widely reported cause of biodiversity loss
- timber used in commercial items e.g. paper, furniture
- confrontation between companies and indigenous tribes
Deforestation - mineral extraction
- precious metals found in the rainforest
- mining can cause soil and water contamination
- indigenous people displaced from land
Deforestation - road construction
- bring supplies/provide access to mining areas, settlements and energy projects
- extensive network of roads needed for logging companies
Deforestation - agriculture
- large scale ‘slash and burn’ of land for ranches and palm oil
- carbon emission
- river saltation/soil erosion due to large areas of exposed land
- palm oil increase is making land infertile
Deforestation - tourism
- hotels built in extremely vulnerable areas
- negative relationship between govt. and indigenous tribes
- exposed animals to human diseases
Deforestation - energy development
- high rainfall creates ideal conditions for hydro-electric power
- Bakun Dam in Malaysia; both people and environment have suffered
Main impacts of deforestation
- economic development
- soil erosion
- climate change
Impacts of deforestation - economic development
- mining, farming and logging create employment opportunities and tax income for govt.
- products such as palm oil generate income
- loss of biodiversity will reduce tourism
Impacts of deforestation - soil erosion
- soil is more vulnerable to rain once exposed by deforestation
- soil easily washes away with no roots to bind it together
Impacts of deforestation - climate change
- climate becomes drier
- trees are carbon ‘sinks’ so emissions rise when they are cut down
- more CO2 released when burnt, enhancing the greenhouse effect
Possible strategies to increase sustainability
- agro-forestry
- selective logging
- education
- afforestation
- forest reserves
- ecotourism
Agro-forestry
Growing trees and crops at the same time prevents soil erosion and the crops benefit from all the nutrients
Selective logging
Trees are only felled when they reach a particular height, to prevent unnecessary clearing of rainforest
Sustainability - education
Ensuring people understand the consequences of deforestation
Afforestation
Replanting trees when they are cut down
Forest reserves
Areas protected from exploitation
Ecotourism
Tourism that promotes both the economy and environments/conservation
