Forest management systems for tropical high forest, with special reference to peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

In the early twenties, forest management by Departmental Improvement Felling was aimed solely at improving the existing stock through the removal of inferior species (tree-girdling) in several stages so as to promote the development of species having actual or potential value, such as Neobalanocarpus heimii. With rising demand for firewood and poles by the mining industry in the thirties, it was felt that girdling of trees having such markets was unwise. Thus, in areas having such markets, commercial regeneration felling was practised; this involved a 5-year regeneration period coupled with several fellings. However, in areas where such markets were not available, the Departmental Regeneration Felling or Regeneration Improvement Felling was carried out, through which canopy opening was more drastic followed by two or more complete undergrowth cuttings. After the Pacific War, Regeneration Improvement Felling was discontinued and replaced by the Malayan Uniform System because of the increasing demand for raw material by expanding, primary wood-based, industry and the use of mechanized logging. Moreover, it was observed that untended clear-fellings during the war years had adequate advanced seedling regeneration on the forest floors. Hence, the Malayan Uniform System aims at converting the virgin tropical lowland forest to a more or less even-aged forest containing a greater proportion of commercial species. In areas where natural regeneration is insufficient prior to logging and in hilly and mountainous areas with steep and unstable slopes, the Selective Management System is practised. This involves the selection of management (felling) regimes based on inventory data, instead of an arbitrary prescription, which is equitable to both logger and forest owner as well as to ensure ecological balance and environmental stability and quality.