Study reveals limits of logging techniques in tropical forests for sustainability
Selective logging techniques, including reduced-impact logging (RIL), have been used in tropical forests to harvest timber sustainably. However, these methods have limitations in maintaining timber yields over recommended rotation periods. Long-term monitoring in Central Africa, Indonesia, and the Brazilian Amazon has shown that selective logging impacts forest dynamics and ecology of timber species. Common limitations include the need to limit logging intensity and define specific diameter cutting sizes to achieve sustainable forest management in tropical regions.