Location of Malaysia
SE Asia
made up of 2 regions: Peninsular Malaysia and Eastern Malaysia
climate characteristics
27 - 30 C
2000 - 3000 mm rainfall per year
hot and wet all year round with a small annual temp range
biodiversity in malaysia
15000 plant, 300 mammal, 700 bird, 150000 invertebrate species
causes of deforestation- logging
trees are felled to sell as timber for furniture and pulp for paper
creates jobs and export income
causes of deforestation- energy development
hydroelectric power dams have been built to generate electricity
the Bakun Dam has flooded over 700km of rainforest alons
causes of deforestation- commercial farming
2nd largest producer and exporter of palm oil in the world
large areas are cleared for palm oil plantations
effects of deforestation- soil erosion
soil no longer protected by canopy or hel by roots
soil erodes and nutrients are leached
reduces soil fertility and prevents plant growth
effects of deforestation- economic development
farming, mining, logging provide man jobs and income for country
boosting economy
effects of deforestation - climate change
carbon is released back into atmosphere adding to greenhouse effect
sustainable management - selective logging
limits number of trees felled
sustainable management - conservation
protected areas like Taman Negara
national park and education
sustainable management - ecotourism
protects rainforest whilst educationg and generting income