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
