Residual stand damage from selective logging of tropical forests: A comparative case study in central Kalimantan and West Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

Selective logging in natural forests in Indonesia involves logging trees with a diameter at breast height (dbh) of >50 cm and leads to damage to residual stands. This research was conducted on forest concession areas in West Sumatra and Central Kalimantan to analyze residual stand damage. The type and percentage of damage were calculated at both locations by evaluating 10 plots of 1 ha at each site. All trees with a dbh of >20 cm were measured and classified before and after felling and skidding. The stand density and felling intensity were analyzed to determine the factors affecting the amount of damage. Results indicated six types of damages: broken stem, crown injury, fallen or uprooted trees, leaning, bark and stem injuries, and buttress injury. All six types of damages were found in Central Kalimantan, whereas five types of damages (except buttress injury) were found in West Sumatra. On comparing pre- and post-logging conditions, a higher percentage of damage was identified in Central Kalimantan (27.8%) than in West Sumatra (22.4%). The percentage of tree damage increased in line with the increasing felling intensity at both locations. It was concluded that a higher tree density and felling intensity resulted in a greater residual stand damage both in Central Kalimantan and West Sumatra.