Journal article
Sustaining conservation values in selectively logged tropical forests: the attained and the attainable
Conservation Letters, Vol.5(4), pp.296-303
2012
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Abstract
<p>Most tropical forests outside protected areas have been or will be selectively logged so it is essential to maximize the conservation values of partially harvested areas. Here we examine the extent to which these forests sustain timber production, retain species, and conserve carbon stocks. We then describe some improvements in tropical forestry and how their implementation can be promoted.</p>
<p>A simple meta-analysis based on >100 publications revealed substantial variability but that: timber yields decline by about 46% after the first harvest but are subsequently sustained at that level; 76% of carbon is retained in once-logged forests; and, 85–100% of species of mammals, birds, invertebrates, and plants remain after logging. Timber stocks will not regain primary-forest levels within current harvest cycles, but yields increase if collateral damage is reduced and silvicultural treatments are applied.</p>
<p>Given that selectively logged forests retain substantial biodiversity, carbon, and timber stocks, this “middle way” between deforestation and total protection deserves more attention from researchers, conservation organizations, and policy-makers. Improvements in forest management are now likely if synergies are enhanced among initiatives to retain forest carbon stocks (REDD+), assure the legality of forest products, certify responsible management, and devolve control over forests to empowered local communities.</p>
Details
- Title
- Sustaining conservation values in selectively logged tropical forests: the attained and the attainable
- Creators
- Francis E Putz - University of FloridaPieter A Zuidema - Wageningen UniversityTimothy Synnott - Paseo de las Cumbres, MéxicoMarielos Peña-Claros - Wageningen UniversityMichelle A Pinard - University of AberdeenDouglas Sheil - Southern Cross UniversityJerome K Vanclay - Southern Cross UniversityPlinio Sist - CIRAD, Campus International de Baillarguet, FranceSylvie Gourlet-Fleury - International de Baillarguet, FranceBronson Griscom - The Nature ConservancyJohn Palmer - Forest Management TrustRoderick Zagt - Tropenbos International, Netherlands
- Publication Details
- Conservation Letters, Vol.5(4), pp.296-303
- Identifiers
- 2473; 991012820429402368
- Academic Unit
- School of Environment, Science and Engineering; Forest Research Centre; Faculty of Science and Engineering; Science
- Resource Type
- Journal article