16 April 2014
Bioversity Issues Factsheet on Genetic Diversity Conservation in Asian Tropical Forests
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Noting that forest genetic diversity can be lost after just one logging event, Bioversity International and the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia have published a case study reviewing what is known about the impacts of logging on genetic diversity in Asian tropical forests.

To accompany this research, they have also issued a factsheet to help policymakers and forest managers raise awareness of and conserve forest biodiversity.

bioversity-frim15 April 2014: Noting that forest genetic diversity can be lost after just one logging event, Bioversity International and the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia have published a case study reviewing what is known about the impacts of logging on genetic diversity in Asian tropical forests. To accompany this research, they have also issued a factsheet to help policymakers and forest managers raise awareness of and conserve forest biodiversity.

The research article, titled ‘Integrating genetic factors into management of tropical Asian production forest: A review of current knowledge,’ focuses on the impacts of logging practices, such as logging intensity, minimum diameter cutting limits and spatial patterns of tree removal on mixed dipterocarp forests. The research shows that even single logging events can lead to a decrease in biodiversity through increased inbreeding, reduced viability of seedlings and other impacts. It notes that conservation practices, including minimum population densities as a precondition for logging or documentation of sources of propagation material, not only prevent biodiversity loss, but can also enhance the conservation value of tropical forests as well as landscape connectivity.

The factsheet, titled ‘Sustaining tropical timber trees in production forests of Asia – Ensuring their genetic viability,’ summarizes research and provides policy recommendations for, inter alia, the development of harvesting guidelines for species or species groups; the establishment of minimum population densities and maximum diameter cutting limits; training for forest botanists; and systematic documentation. Recommendations for forest managers include: avoiding systematic removal of trees above maximum cutting diameters; random removal of species growing in clumps to avoid inbreeding; and monitoring seedlings and saplings.

Bioversity International is a member of CGIAR. [Bioversity Press Release][Publication: Integrating genetic factors into management of tropical Asian production forest: A review of current knowledge][Publication: Sustaining tropical timber trees in production forests of Asia – Ensuring their genetic viability]

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