This book provides current knowledge about tropical rain forest genetics
and its implications for the profitable and sustainable management of
forest resources in Southeast Asia. Each chapter covers a major topic in
the evolutionary biology of tropical rain forest trees and how
management systems interact with these natural dynamics. Authors provide
an up-to-date and insightful review of important scientific findings and
conclude with practical recommendations for the modern forester in
Southeast Asia. Several chapters provide compelling discus-sions about
commonly neglected aspects of tropical forestry, including the impact of
historical dynamics of climate change, anthropogenic threats to genetic
viability, and the important role of wildlife in maintaining genetic
diversity. These discussions will promote a deeper appreciation of not
only the economic value of forests, but also their mystery and
intangible values. The silvicultural industry in Southeast Asia is a
major contributor to the regional economy but the connection between
scientific research and the application and development of policy could
be improved upon. This book will help bridge that gap.
This book will prove beneficial reading for forestry students,
professional forest managers, and policy makers, who do not have
technical training in genetics. It is also intended for non-specialists
who are involved in the tropical timber industry, from the local forest
manager to the international timber purchasing agent.