Effects Of Forest Loss In Malaysia

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QUESTION
1. Malaysia had the world’s highest percentage rate of forest loss between 2000 and 2012 (Hansen et al. 2013). What are the likely consequences of this forest loss for people living in Malaysia?
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Effective ecosystem management will maintain the continuation of species of plants and animals as well as variation of genetics. Malaysia positioned in the humid tropical landscape making it covered with extraordinary variety of flora and fauna. This landscape is known as the tropical rainforest had evolved over million years ago comprises from the smallest microscopic organism like bacteria to large species as such mammals, reptiles and birds (Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia, 2013). Other than that, forest plays a vital role in controlling the humidity, temperature and precipitation on earth. They absorb carbon dioxide and thus maintaining the purity of air and controlling atmospheric pollution. In addition, forest host major reservoirs of minerals, metal, biomass and land for agriculture expansion. However, conflicts over these resources had contributed to massive deforestation with improper management (Wolvekamp et al. 1999). Since the agricultural and industrial era began, the rate of ecological destruction had far exceeded the rate of ecological repair. If limitless greediness towards clearance of tropical forest is continuing in Malaysia, it is possible that in a blink of eye humans will lose their forest. Moreover, deforestation provokes irreversible damage and doing reforestation will not entirely reverse the effect. Despite the different ecological, political and economic circumstances, it is easy to justify the common causes of forest destruction, the lost of livelihood and culture. However,...

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2.4 Biodiversity
Other than that, it is believed that by losing rainforest, we are losing the ancient way of life. Hunting tribes such as the Penan people inhibit these forests. They live on the Borneo Island in the State of Sarawak. These people live in small huts extending a few feet above the ground and live by collecting herbs, fruits and edible plants from the jungle. Furthermore, they hunt for animal especially during special events. However, due to deforestation and globalization, they are forced from this peaceful life to live in dirty government shacks filled with diseases they never encounter before. When they went out for hunting or gathering tribes, they could not resist confronting with the logging companies. Moreover, as forest, being tremendously cut down, wild animals will find new shelter and foraging deep into human settlement areas.

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