Living World Case Study - Threats to the Malaysian Rainforest Flashcards
What is slash and burn?
A form of subsistence farming where some trees are felled and land is cleared by burning before being replanted.
Much smaller scale compared to logging/plantations.
How does slash and burn affect the rainforest?
Can result in wildfires.
Can cause leaching in the soil.
LINK TO POPULATION
How does transmigration affect the rainforest?
People move into areas of rainforest; 15,000ha were felled.
Endemic species were displaced.
How does logging affect the rainforest?
Major deforestation.
Loss of habitat.
Species are displaced.
Indigenous people lose their land.
Causes climate change.
Selective logging causes a loss of biodiversity.
How do palm oil plantations affect the rainforest?
Species are displaced.
Indigenous people lose their land.
Causes climate change.
Loss of biodiversity.
What percentage of consumer goods contain palm oil?
50%.
What percentage of palm oil comes from Indonesia, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea?
85%.
Which country is the largest exporter of palm oil?
Malaysia
How do hydroelectric dams affect the rainforest?
Major deforestation.
Species are displaced.
Indigenous people lose their land.
What is an example of a hydroelectric dam in Malaysia?
The Bakun Dam in Sarawak.
Cost $2 billion.
10,000 indigenous people were forced to move away.
230 square km of virgin rainforest were cut down.
How does mining affect the rainforest?
Major deforestation.
Pollution of land and rivers.
Can cause leaching of soil.
What is most commonly mined in Malaysia?
Tin.
Where are most of the Malaysian mines located?
Peninsular Malaysia.
What are the main threats to the Malaysian rainforest?
Logging
Palm Oil Plantations
Mining
Hydroelectric Dams
Slash and Burn
Transmigration
