Selective logging

With selective logging, particular trees are chosen for felling and removed with as little damage as possible to neighbouring trees. Much of the forest remains standing, maintaining more habitat and soil protection than complete clearance would. Timber can still provide income and jobs.

Malaysia uses selective logging to harvest mature commercial trees rather than clear the whole forest. The management approach includes a 40-year cycle, allowing time for trees to re-establish before another harvest. Trees are selected by size, and their direction of fall is planned to reduce damage to surrounding trees.

Elsewhere in Malaysia, selective logging is used to reduce damage compared with clear felling. Trees are identified before cutting, their felling direction is planned to avoid other trees, and only trees of a certain size are selected. A survey after felling informs a treatment plan to repair damage.