Effects of selective logging on tree species composition,richness and diversity in a hilldipterocarp forest in malaysia

A systematic sampling along a gradient-directed transect was conductedin a primary hill dipterocarp rainforest in peninsular malaysia to study the effects of selective logging on treespecies composition,richness and diversity. the area was surveyed for more than one year before it was logged.six months to one year after logging,resurveying of the same plots was done. the extraction of 27 trees perhectare affected all diameter classes. of the 47.0% of total injury,40.1% of stems were totally destroyed anddead. species richness and diversity showed significant variation from the original levels. a percentage of24.1% of the total tree species were recorded lost from the study site in the first cut that encompassed only raretree species and commercial timber trees. about 50% of the residual species were under very rare categorywith single stem. logging also altered the species composition and species accumulation curve of all tree sizeclasses. to arrest the loss of biodiversity,this study strongly suggests integration of biodiversity survey withthe existing management system as well as careful planning and execution of improved logging practices. © forest research institute malaysia.