Logged Rain Forest Research Articles

The effects of logging on soil greenhouse gas (CO 2, CH 4, N 2O) flux in a tropical rain forest, Peninsular Malaysia

To evaluate the effects of logging on soil greenhouse gas flux in a tropical rain forest, we measured CO 2, CH 4, and N 2O fluxes at logged and unlogged sites in Peninsular Malaysia ( N = 7–27 at each site). Although soil temperature at the logged sites was higher than at unlogged sites, soil CO 2 flux did not differ between sites. The CH 4 consumption at the logged sites tended to be less than that at unlogged sites, and some soils at the logged sites emitted CH 4. These results suggest that logging can decrease CH 4 consumption or even convert CH 4 sinks into sources. The increase in soil bulk density after logging might lowered the effective diffusivity of CH 4 and O 2 availability in soils, which might limit the CH 4 consumption at the logged sites. N 2O fluxes were increased significantly for at least 1 year after logging because of an increase in soil nitrogen availability. Logging decreased the CH 4 absorption rate and increased the N 2O emission rate of the soil. Based on these findings, we conclude that logging in tropical rain forests increases the emission of CH 4 and N 2O for at least 1 year after logging, thus potentially contributing to global warming.

Rainforest logging threatens sea turtles

Rainforest logging threatens sea turtles

Stand development after two modes of selective logging and pre-felling climber cutting in a dipterocarp rainforest in Sabah, Malaysia

Selective logging in dipterocarp rainforests is mostly done in a relatively unplanned manner that causes great damage to, and depletes, the residual stands. Better planning of logging and silvicultural activities – using (for instance) planned skid-trails, directional felling and climber cutting – is expected to reduce the damage and create healthier residual stands for timber production. In the study reported here a logging system involving the use of planned systematically aligned skid-trails combined with directional felling (SL) was tested, and compared with the conventional unplanned logging (CL) practiced in the area. Further, both logging systems were combined with and without pre-logging climber cutting. The post-logging development of the stands was followed for 8 years (1993–2001). Stand development following the two logging modes were found, statistically, to be relatively similar. Both logging modes lead to a net basal area growth, during the period of around 5.0 m 2 ha −1, when considering all tree species combined. These findings implicate that SL may not be enough for improving the residual stand. The method is, at the same time, not leading to a reduced tree growth compared with CL and may have other gains. After 8 years and irrespective of logging modes the standing basal area differed statistically from a virgin forest only within the segment of trees having a diameter range of 60–89 cm dbh. Climber cutting significantly and positively affected total net basal area growth, resulting in net basal area growth during the 8-year period monitored of 6.4 m 2 ha −1 (compared to 3.3 m 2 ha −1 in plots where they were not cut), implicating that climber cutting could be an effective tool for increased forest growth.

Phenology of Tropical Birds in Peninsular Malaysia: Effects of Selective Logging and Food Resources

AbstractThe increasing prevalence of selective logging in Southeast Asian tropical rainforests compels much-needed studies to examine its effects on the vital life-cycle events of their resident understory birds, which are particularly sensitive to such degradation. Food abundance, which can be an important factor in avian phenology, may be affected by selective logging. Therefore, studies that compare food abundance and breeding and molting occurrence simultaneously at the same sites are important for the ecological monitoring of such logging regimes. Using bimonthly mist netting in two rainforest areas in Peninsular Malaysia, we assessed the breeding and molting occurrence and diets of understory birds and compared the abundance of food resources in unlogged forests and forests that had been selectively logged 30 years before. Our study revealed no differences between forest types in overall understory-resident bird abundance; comparative species richness; feeding-guild composition; breeding and molting occurrence and temporal variation; or arthropod, fruit, and flower abundance. The similarity in food resources could account for the similarity in avian phenological characteristics between forest types. Increased breeding corresponded with increased food abundance at the feeding-guild level, and dietary data supported these findings. Breeding cycles of sensitive indicator groups such as understory resident birds are likely to depend on food abundance and forest structure and, thus, on selective logging. Our observation of undiminished avian breeding and molting occurrence in selectively logged forests is an encouraging indication of their conservation potential. However, we emphasize that differences in selective logging practices could affect the forest structure and avifauna differently. Setting thresholds for extraction and regeneration time and subscribing to minimum-impact methods that reduce collateral damage are essential if selectively logged areas are to maintain most of their initial biodiversity.Fenología de Aves Tropicales en Malasia Peninsular: Efectos de la Tala Selectiva y los Recursos Alimenticios

Freshwater fishes of the Amazon River basin: their biodiversity, fisheries, and habitats

Stretching more than seven million square kilometers, the Amazon River basin is the largest river basin in the world and discharges about one-sixth of all freshwater from the continents to the oceans of the world. The age of this ecosystem, its position near the equator and the enormous diversity of its aquatic habitats, have produced the most diverse fish fauna on the planet. About 2,500 fish species have already been described and it is estimated that more than 1,000 new species remain to be discovered. Knowledge concerning this multitude of fish species is still insufficient, which makes their management and protection difficult. About 50% of the species are thought to occur in the large rivers and connected floodplains and another 50% in headwater streams. Inland fisheries give rise to 450,000 t of fish each year and thus contribute substantially to the protein supply of local populations. However, despite their economic importance, these fisheries receive little attention from the respective governments. The fisheries are highly selective and several stocks of large species with high market value have been over fished. Fish culture is still in its infancy but its development is expected to provide high-quality species during periods of low supply. Over large areas, aquatic habitats are still in near-natural conditions because of the low densities of resident human populations. Nonetheless, over the last few decades, the pressure on aquatic ecosystems and habitats has steadily increased, mainly due to large-scale destruction of natural vegetation cover by agro-industries in the savanna belt (cerrado), small-scale agriculture in the Andean hill slopes, and logging in rain forests. These activities have placed aquatic biodiversity, including fishes, at serious risk. Many headwater species have restricted distributions and are therefore particularly vulnerable to large-scale environmental degradation. Moreover, the construction of large reservoirs for hydroelectric power generation has serious consequences for fish fauna. Currently, about 16.4% of the Amazon River basin is protected, and another 15.2% is under partial protection in indigenous reserves in Brazil. Another 9.1% will be implemented as reserves in the next 10 years in the Brazilian part of the basin. The formulation by the Amazonian countries of a coherent policy that integrates long-term management of the river basin with sustainable management of aquatic and wetland habitats, including their fauna and flora, is urgently needed.

Effects of rain forest logging on species richness and assemblage composition of small mammals in Southeast Asia

AbstractAim The effects of logging and habitat degradation on the richness and abundance of small mammals in Asian rain forests are largely unknown. This work compares the species richness, dominance and evenness of small non‐volant mammals between logged and unlogged forests, and assesses whether assemblage variability (β‐diversity) is similar between forest types.Location Southeast Asia, northern Borneo (Sabah, Malaysia), Sunda‐shelf.Methods We surveyed species‐rich assemblages of small non‐volant mammals in three unlogged and three logged forests for 2 years. At each forest site, we sampled a permanently marked transect and two additional sites in three trapping sessions. All analyses were performed at both levels to include the effects of local abundances and point estimates, separately from the relative abundances of species on a more regional scale.Results We trapped a total of 1218 individuals of 28 species. Eleven common species accounted for 95% of all captures. Species richness and diversity were significantly higher in unlogged forest (27 species) than in logged forest (17 species). This was mainly attributable to the smaller number of rarely recorded species in logged forest (five compared with 16 in unlogged forest, with a total of fewer than 10 captures). However, all common species were present in both logged and unlogged forests, and our analyses revealed similar patterns of dominance, evenness and fluctuations in abundance. Hence overall assemblage composition in multivariate space did not differ greatly between forest types. Assemblages of Muridae and Tupaiidae showed similar population fluctuations in space and time, indicating that the ecology of these taxa may be partially driven by the same environmental factors.Main conclusions Although species were distributed patchily within sites, analyses at local and regional scales revealed similar patterns in diversity and assemblage variability, suggesting that effects of forest modification did not differ extensively locally and regionally, but had a profound effect on rare species. Our results emphasize the importance and conservation value of logged forest stands that are able to hold a large proportion of the small mammals also found in unlogged forests. Rare and more specialized species are more vulnerable to forest degradation than commonly caught species, resulting in the complete loss, or a decrease in numbers, of certain groups, such as arboreal small mammals and Viverridae.

PHENOLOGY OF TROPICAL BIRDS IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA: EFFECTS OF SELECTIVE LOGGING AND FOOD RESOURCES

Abstract The increasing prevalence of selective logging in Southeast Asian tropical rainforests compels much-needed studies to examine its effects on the vital life-cycle events of their resident understory birds, which are particularly sensitive to such degradation. Food abundance, which can be an important factor in avian phenology, may be affected by selective logging. Therefore, studies that compare food abundance and breeding and molting occurrence simultaneously at the same sites are important for the ecological monitoring of such logging regimes. Using bimonthly mist netting in two rainforest areas in Peninsular Malaysia, we assessed the breeding and molting occurrence and diets of understory birds and compared the abundance of food resources in unlogged forests and forests that had been selectively logged 30 years before. Our study revealed no differences between forest types in overall understory-resident bird abundance; comparative species richness; feeding-guild composition; breeding and moltin...

Impact of rain-forest logging on helminth assemblages in small mammals (Muridae, Tupaiidae) from Borneo

Parasites are ubiquitous in wild animals, with host-specific life histories considered as major determinants of prevalence and parasite assemblage patterns. It is predicted that habitat differences in logged rain forests influence population performances of small mammals and consequently may change the infection patterns of local animal populations with regard to endo- and ectoparasites. We investigated patterns of helminth species assemblages (Nematoda, Platyhelminthes) in two rat species (Leopoldamys sabanus, Niviventer cremoriventer) and two tree shrew species (Tupaia tana, T. longipes) in three logged and three unlogged rain forests in Borneo by examining 337 faecal samples with non-invasive faecal egg count (FEC). Nematode eggs prevailed in 95% of all samples with up to five (mean 1.9 ± 1.1) morphotypes. Whereas members of Strongylida were most prevalent in L. sabanus, T. tana and T. longipes, Spirurida dominated in N. cremoriventer that revealed at the same time the lowest average nematode prevalence and FEC. Cestode eggs were only found in L. sabanus and T. tana. Composition and abundance patterns of the parasitic helminth assemblages were influenced by logging. As hypothesized, species richness of nematode morphotypes and mean number of infections per host of T. longipes were larger in logged than in unlogged forest. In contrast, L. sabanus was more heavily infected with cestodes in unlogged than in logged forest and also revealed larger egg counts for strongylids and spirurids in unlogged forest. Our results suggest that forest degradation and altered environmental conditions influence helminth diversity and infection patterns of small mammals with contrasting trends among host species. The inconsistent logging-induced changes in helminth assemblages from different hosts indicate that specific sets of habitat-host-parasite interactions are uniquely influenced by the effects of logging. Consequently, predictions on changes of parasite diversity and prevalence with regard to habitat disturbance need to be based on the individual life histories of the hosts (and the parasites).

Long-term erosion and surface roughness change of rain-forest terrain following selective logging, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia

When rain forest is logged, rills and gullies are often initiated on heavily disturbed and compacted terrain components; whether and for how long they continue to enlarge following logging is critical as regards the recovery and sustainability of the regenerating forest. This paper examines these two issues in logged rain forest in northeastern Borneo. Results are presented of an investigation into how soil erosion rates and surface topography varies in selectively logged forests at different stages of regeneration (up to 15 years after logging) in Danum Valley, eastern Sabah, Malaysia. Measurements were made of changes in ground level and surface roughness at over 100 transect sites over periods of 1–15 years using the erosion bridge (microprofiler) technique. In the complex mosaic of the post-logging regenerating forest, attention focused on key features, notably abandoned logging tracks, gullies, heavily disturbed or compacted areas and road-related landslides and comparisons are made with primary forest terrain. The role of extreme rainstorms in controlling the temporal pattern of post-logging erosion in both regenerating and primary forest is demonstrated. The different situations in which rills and gullies initiated during or following logging enlarge or disappear in post-logging terrain are highlighted. The implications of the results for slope evolution and sustainable rain-forest management policies are briefly considered.

Initial impact of supervised logging and pre-logging climber cutting compared with conventional logging in a dipterocarp rainforest in Sabah, Malaysia

Pre-marked skid trails, directional felling and climber cutting when logging in tropical rainforests may be important ways of reducing damage to the forest, thus creating a healthier stand and improving future yields. This study, carried out in a virgin dipterocarp rainforest in the south of Sabah, Malaysia, compared two types of logging (both with and without pre-cutting climbers): conventional selective logging (CL) and supervised logging (SL). The latter is a selective logging system in which both pre-marked skid trails and directional felling were implemented. The pre-marked skid trails were aligned parallel to each other, spaced 62 m apart. A randomised complete block 2 × 2 factorial design was used in the experiment, consisting of 16 gross treatment plots, each of 5.76 ha with a 1 ha net plot in the centre. Fewer trees tended (0.050 < P ≤ 0.100) to be logged in SL plots than in CL plots (on average 9.4 and 13.0 trees ≥60 cm diameter breast height ha −1). Pre-felling of climbers resulted in four more dipterocarp trees being logged ha −1, compared with no climber cutting: a statistically significant difference ( P ≤ 0.050). The basal areas lost of both large trees (≥ 60 cm dbh) and small dipterocarp trees (10–29 cm dbh) tended to differ between the logging systems, with CL leading to greater losses. There were significant differences in the residual stands left by the logging systems, with respect to the number of dipterocarps and their basal area in the diameter class 10–29 cm; ca 30% more stems being found after SL. No significant differences (or tendencies) in these variables were found in the residual stands in other diameter classes, or when trees of all species were considered.

Secondary succession and dipterocarp recruitment in Bornean rain forest after logging

To understand succession in dipterocarp rain forest after logging, the structure, species composition and dynamics of primary (PF) and secondary (SF) forest at Danum were compared. In 10 replicate 0.16-ha plots per forest type trees ≥10 cm gbh (3.2 cm dbh) were measured in 1995 and 2001. The SF had been logged in 1988, which allowed successional change to be recorded at 8 and 13 years. In 2001, saplings (1.0–3.1 cm dbh) were measured in nested quadrats. The forest types were similar in mean radiation at 2 m height, and in density, basal area and species number of all trees. Among small (10 ≤ 31.4) and large (≥31.4 cm gbh) trees, in both 1995 and 2001, there were 10- and 3-fold more dipterocarps in SF than PF respectively; and averaging over the two dates, there were correspondingly ca. 10- and 18-fold more pioneers. Mortality was ca. 60% higher in SF than PF, largely due to a seven-fold difference for pioneers: for dipterocarps there was little difference. Recruitment was similar in PF and SF. Stem growth rates were 37% higher in SF than PF for all trees, although dipterocarps showed the opposite trend. Among saplings, dipterocarps dominated SF with a 10-fold higher density than in PF. For dipterocarps, the light (LH) and medium-heavy (MHH) canopy hardwoods, and the shade-tolerant, smaller-stature other (OTH) species (e.g. Hopea and Vatica) were in the ratios ca. 40:15:45 in SF and 85:<1:15 in PF. LHs had higher mortality than OTHs in SF. In PF ca. 80% of the saplings were LH: in SF ca. 70% were OTH. The predominance of OTHs in SF is explained by the logging of primary rain forest which was in a likely late stage of recovery from natural disturbance, plus the continuing shaded conditions in the understorey promoted by dense pioneer vegetation. At 13 years after logging succession appeared to be inhibited: LHs were being suppressed but MHHs and OTHs persisted. Succession in lowland dipterocarp rain forests may therefore depend on the successional state of the primary forest when it is logged. A review of logged versus unlogged studies in Borneo highlights the need for more detailed ecological comparisons.

Impacts of selective logging on New Georgia Island, Solomon Islands evaluated using very-high-resolution satellite (IKONOS) data

Selective harvest has become a dominant method of commercial logging in tropical rainforests of the Asia-Pacific region. Although it has usually been recognized that this method minimizes the impact on forest because of the limited number of trees harvested and slight effects on growth of unharvested trees, recent reports suggest that its damage is potentially serious. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a selective logging operation in 1993–1994 on customary land (2024 ha) of New Georgia Island, Solomon Islands. Geo-referenced IKONOS panchromatic (1-m resolution) and multispectral (4-m resolution) images from 2002 (the post-logging period) and aerial photographs (2.5 m pixels, original scale: 1:25 000) from 1991 (the pre-logging period) were analysed by means of supervised classification and on-screen visual interpretation, in association with detailed field observation. The area deforested by selective logging was 88 ha (95% confidence limits: 79–98 ha), accounting for 7.4% of the original forest and thus causing substantial damage.

DEMOGRAPHY OF TWO ENDEMIC FOREST-FLOOR MAMMALS OF SOUTHEASTERN ALASKAN TEMPERATE RAIN FOREST

We studied demography of the Keen’s mouse (Peromyscus keenimacrorhinus) and the Wrangell Island red-backed vole (Clethrionomys gapperi wrangeli) in the Alexander Archipelago during 1998–2000 because of concerns over population viability from extensive clear-cut logging of temperate rain forest in the region. We trapped 1-ha grids and assessment lines with live traps during spring and autumn to compare populations among gap-phase oldgrowth, multicohort old-growth, peatland mixed-conifer, and thinned young-growth (23-year-old) forests. Generally, gap-phase old growth and peatland mixed conifer supported the highest and lowest populations of voles, respectively. One notable exception was during autumn 1998, when vole population levels were highest and density was higher (P , 0.02) in young growth than gap-phase old growth. Mean body mass, minimum summer and overwinter survival, age and sex composition, and percentage reproductive females did not differ among habitats. For Keen’s mouse, density was highest in 1998; overall, populations were highest in young growth and lowest in peatland mixed conifer. Mean body mass and minimum summer and overwinter survival did not differ among habitats, but fewer reproductive females were recorded in multicohort than in gap-phase old growth, peatland mixed conifer, or young growth. Our results suggest that C. gapperi populations in southeastern Alaska are not as sensitive to canopy removal as has been indicated elsewhere in western coniferous forests and that P. keeni populations in southeastern Alaska flourish in a variety of habitats. If the results of our study can be generalized across southeastern Alaska, peatland mixed conifer likely contributes little to breeding populations of C. gapperi and thus is unlikely to mitigate any effects of broad-scale clear-cut logging of old-growth forests.

Dispersal of seeds of Hymenaea courbaril (Fabaceae) in a logged rain forest in the Peruvian Amazonian

Seed dispersal of Hymenaea courbaril was studied by following the fate of 585 seeds embedded with small magnets and set in displays in and near a logged strip in rain forest in the Peruvian Amazonian. Mammals took fruits from all displays, which were located in the forest, edge, and cleared strip. Overall removal rates were low - a median of 8.1 fruits / month from displays maintained with 8-10 fruits - but were higher in August than in earlier months. Most fruits were dropped near the display or had their seeds eaten, but &gt; 13% were successfully dispersed. Most of the dispersed seeds were buried, which increases probability of germination. Maximum dispersal distance of live seeds was 12.1 m (median 3.1 m), but other magnets were transported up to 34 m, indicating seeds were dispersed further, but then eaten. Acouchies (most likely Myoprocta pratti) and agoutis (Dasyprocta fuliginosa) were apparently the main dispersal agents. Dispersal of seeds from the forest into the logged strip was rare, suggesting that although rodents disperse H. courbaril, they cannot be relied on for the reseeding this and similar species in recent clearings.

Estimation of wood residues from small-scale commercial selective logging and sawmilling in tropical rain forests of south-western Ethiopia

Estimation of wood residues from small-scale commercial selective logging and sawmilling in tropical rain forests of south-western Ethiopia

Truce in Canadian rainforest

Loggers, environmentalists and Indians agreed to limit logging of a Canadian rainforest in British Columbia after the fate of the area became highly contested. The rainforest encompasses 3 million ha of wilderness from the north of Vancouver Island to Alaska. Environmentalists wanted to ban logging in the region, citing the destruction of valley regions by clear-cut logging practices. Under the tentative agreement, 13% of the area will be protected against commercial use and another 18% might be earmarked for protection. The action will cost the timber industry 500 jobs, and it will cost an estimated 10 to 40 million CAN dollars in workers’ compensation. [Dowd, A. (2001) Reuters 5 April] TS

Effects of forest management on diversity and abundance of fruit-feeding nymphalid butterflies in south-eastern Côte d'Ivoire.

The effects of forest management on vegetation structure and capture frequencies of nymphalid butterflies were studied in a logged rain forest in south-east Cote d'Ivoire. An experimental compartment, where liberation thinning was carried out 3 years before, and a 5-year-old mono-dominant tree plantation were compared to a regenerating control compartment; 3642 specimens of 97 species were trapped. Accumulated species richness and diversity indices were lower in the control compared to the liberation thinning compartment, but lowest in the plantation. However, the habitat preference for traps situated in the control compartment was negatively correlated with the size of the species geographical range. Four out of five species with a lower capture frequency in the liberation thinning compartment showed preferences for mature succession stages and were either Upper Guinean endemics or Guinea–Congolian–restricted species. The seven species with higher capture frequencies in the liberation thinning compartment were all geographically widespread. Five of them showed higher frequencies in younger succession stages. Eight species, three canopy specialists and two Guinea savannah species, significantly preferred the plantation, while 17 species avoided this management type. Liberation thinning seems to affect the more specialised species with smaller geographic ranges, thus risking loss of regional diversity.

Distribution and Status of the Paradise Crow Lycocorax pyrrhopterus and Standardwing Bird of Paradise Semioptera wallacii, with Notes on Biology and Nidification

SummaryOf the two birds of paradise endemic to the Moluccas, Indonesia, the Paradise Crow Lycocorax pyrrhopterus was found to be the sixth and the Standardwing Semioptera wallacii the fifth most frequently recorded passerine during BirdLife International avifaunal surveys on Halmahera Island. Both were found in both primary and logged rain forest at an average density of c. 0.4 birds per ha. The Paradise Crow is tolerant of mangroves, swamp, and montane areas and human disturbance to forest habitat while the Standardwing is less so. Both species are presently widespread and common on Halmahera and cannot be considered immediately endangered there, but populations on smaller Moluccan islands require study and regular monitoring.

The long term effect of forest logging on the macroinvertebrates in a Fijian stream

The species richness and abundance of macroinvertebrates were assessed in two adjacent similar streams, the Nabukavesi and Wainikovu creeks (Viti Levu, Fiji) at intervals of 2 months for 3 years. Previous logging of rain forest in the Nabukavesi catchment had subjected it to suspended sediment loads and to sediment and grit deposition on its substrate, In contrast the forest in the Wainikovu catchment had not been logged. Species richness was significantly higher (11–18 species; total 38 spp.) in the unlogged Wainikovu Creek than in the Nabukavesi Creek (eight to 15 species; total 34 spp.) over the 3-year period. Diversity indices confirmed greater species diversity in the Wainikovu creek. The total abundance of invertebrates varied considerably within streams, but not significantly between them over 3 years. The most abundant species in both streams were the caddis fly, Abacaria fijiana, mayflies, Cloeon spp. and Pseudocloeon sp. and atyid shrimps, Caridina spp.

Costs and benefits of forest management for timber production in eastern Amazonia

Rain forest logging is spreading in eastern Amazonia, and logging practices are careless, resulting in much unnecessary damage. We considered the technical feasibility, efficiency and profitability of `best' logging practices in this region by comparing planned and unplanned logging operations in side-by-side plots. We also calculated the medium-term economic performance of `best' forestry practices under a selective harvest regime by comparing net present value for 20- and 30-year cutting cycles, with and without forest management. The cost to plan logging operations was estimated at US$72/ha or approximately US$1.80–2.05/m 3 for harvests of 35–40 m 3/ha (typical of study region). More than 90% of this cost was in tree mapping, vine cutting, and planning logging maneuvers (e.g., skid trail layout, felling angle determinations, etc.). The careful planning of tree felling operations resulted in a 15% increase in productivity (m 3 felled/work h) over the unplanned operation. The machine time (min/m 3 harvested) necessary to open logging roads and log landings was 37% less in the planned operation than in the unplanned operation, and the productivity of skidding logs to landings (m 3 hauled/h) was 27% greater in the planned operation, using wheeled skidders compared to standard bulldozer-based operations in unplanned extraction. Moreover, in the absence of planning, 26% of the volume of timber that was felled was wasted: 7% lost to poor felling techniques and 19% lost simply because felled trees were never found by tractor operators. In the planned area, only 1% of the felled timber was wasted. Overall, increased work productivity and reduced waste in the planned logging operation resulted in financial benefits of US$3.7/m 3, which was about two times the cost of planning. In addition to short-term economic benefits, carefully planned logging operations reduce damage to the forest, leaving a well-stocked stand. Good stocking, combined with the application of silvicultural treatments following logging, should result in greater timber production in managed forests. With management, we estimate that 68% more timber volume could be extracted over a 30-yr period than without management. Using discount rates ranging from 6 to 20%, our estimates of the net present value of timber extraction with forest management were 38 to 45% higher than without management. Although forest management appears to be economically attractive, there are various barriers to its widespread application in the region. Information on the technical aspects of forest management has not been transferred to land owners. Forestry regulations are not enforced. Additionally, any investment in forested land is perceived as risky because of frequent disputes over land ownership. Overcoming these barriers will require, at the very least, the implementation of a regional forest-use policy that is sensitive to both local economic conditions and forest ecology.