Selective logging and wildlife conservation in tropical rain-forest: Problems and recommendations

Abstract

Exploited forests have frequently been regarded as being of little use in the conservation of animal species. While it is true that many species are adversely affected by selective logging and some are entirely unable to survive in disturbed forest, a large number of species are able to maintain viable populations. Logged forests may have an important rôle in the conservation of rain-forest animals as they will continue to occupy large land areas, whereas primary forest reserves will be increasingly restricted in size. Primary forests are of vital importance in supporting a full range of rain-forest species, but logged forests are able to support many animals, including some that cannot survive in small, isolated primary forest reserves.