Forest wildlife can be supported by improving logging

Research has found that Reduced-Impact Logging practices could support the biodiversity in forests in a similar way to not logging at all.

The research discovered that by using Reduced-Impact Logging (RIL), which only fells trees which are needed for commercial use, species across large parts of tropical forests are more likely to survive than if traditional logging practices are used. In addition, forests that use RIL could actually support a biodiversity that bears similarities to forests which have never been disturbed by humans.

With four million km2 – an area larger than India – of tropical forest designated for logging globally, the researchers believe that by improving timber harvesting operations across even a proportion of this area could result in substantial benefits for biodiversity. For example, RIL can reduce carbon emissions, cause less damage to forests, and is a more sustainable solution in the long-term.

The researchers, from the University’s Durrell Institute for Conservation and Ecology (DICE), conducted a global analysis of studies that compared biodiversity in tropical forests which have used conventional logging to those that have used RIL. They found that RIL had less of an effect on birds, arthropods, and mammals – especially bats.

RIL can reduce the level of damage within forests that is caused by tree harvesting through practices which include well-planned logging roads, directional felling – so that cut trees do not crush those that should be left standing – and cutting vines that might pull down nearby trees along with those marked for cutting.

The research titled: Improved timber harvest techniques maintain biodiversity in tropical forests, (Jake E. Bicknell, Matthew J. Struebig, Zoe G. Davies, University of Kent and David P. Edwards, University of Sheffield) is published in Current Biology on 01 December 2014.

DICE is part of the University’s School of Anthropology and Conservation.

For more information contact Jake Bicknell.