Illegal logging raft in Indonesia

This is a raft of up to 100 trees illegally cut and removed from forest on the Taratang River, tributary to the Mentaya River, north of Sampit in Central Kalimantan (Borneo), Indonesia. These trees are very small and possibly represent a 3rd or more wave of logging. Much of Borneo has been logged by "legal" concessions, after which the remaining larger trees are systematically harvested until only small, or otherwise undesirable trees remain representing only a small portion of original forest. Even in areas where wildlife are not persecuted during tree harvest, the skeleton of a forest that remains can no longer house and feed its original fauna (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NM6OA3DYYXg ). Illegal logging is difficult to conceal. If authorities had the motivation and funds, it would not be difficult control. Unfortunately stopping this destructive practice is not yet a priority in much of the tropics.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Borneo
• illegal logging
• Kalimantan
• Indonesia
• tropical forest
• peat forest
• rain forest