Canopy gap dynamics and effects of selective logging: a study in a primary hill dipterocarp forest in Malaysia

Saiful I., . and Latiff A., . Canopy gap dynamics and effects of selective logging: a study in a primary hill dipterocarp forest in Malaysia. pp. 175-188. ISSN 0128-1283

A systematic sampling was conducted in a primary hill dipterocarp forest of Peninsular Malaysia to evaluate the structure of the forest canopy before and after selective logging. The frequency distribution of gap area was strongly skewed. Before logging the ridge had significantly higher gap area than hillside and ridgetop. However after logging the canopy opening was much higher on the ridgetops due to high extraction of commercial trees. Unlike Brokaws method of gap measurement the photographic measurements of gap area showed reasonably stronger correlation. The results of selective logging showed reduction of overall canopy cover by an average of 21. Significant linear relationship was observed between loss of canopy trees and canopy opening. Due to variations in logging layout the canopy openness varied significantly in the two study compartments. The opening of canopy was responsible for increased habitat heterogeneity followed by invasion of pioneer species. The effect of logging on percentage canopy loss was compared with a range of other studies. To maintain the canopy structure from destructive logging this study strongly suggests site-specific cutting limit and adoption of appropriate harvesting plan as well as skill development of forest workers and logging operators.

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Abstract

A systematic sampling was conducted in a primary hill dipterocarp forest of Peninsular Malaysia to evaluate the structure of the forest canopy before and after selective logging. The frequency distribution of gap area was strongly skewed. Before logging the ridge had significantly higher gap area than hillside and ridgetop. However after logging the canopy opening was much higher on the ridgetops due to high extraction of commercial trees. Unlike Brokaws method of gap measurement the photographic measurements of gap area showed reasonably stronger correlation. The results of selective logging showed reduction of overall canopy cover by an average of 21. Significant linear relationship was observed between loss of canopy trees and canopy opening. Due to variations in logging layout the canopy openness varied significantly in the two study compartments. The opening of canopy was responsible for increased habitat heterogeneity followed by invasion of pioneer species. The effect of logging on percentage canopy loss was compared with a range of other studies. To maintain the canopy structure from destructive logging this study strongly suggests site-specific cutting limit and adoption of appropriate harvesting plan as well as skill development of forest workers and logging operators.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	Primary forests
AGROVOC Term:	Hills
AGROVOC Term:	Dipterocarpaceae
AGROVOC Term:	Dipterocarps
AGROVOC Term:	Logging
AGROVOC Term:	Selective cutting
AGROVOC Term:	Mechanical harvesting
AGROVOC Term:	Forest canopy
AGROVOC Term:	Species diversity
AGROVOC Term:	Nature conservation
Depositing User:	Mr. AFANDI ABDUL MALEK
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 00:54
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/8181

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