Ramin forests' are found throughout the Indo-Malaya realm such as in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and various other range states. Therefore, they are identified to be found in southeast Asia. Their ecological region is mostly rain forests, sandstone/limestone ridges, and rocky streams.
These trees are usually between 20-30 meters call and have a diameter of about 0.6-1 meters. They tend to be a whitish to pale yellow color, sometimes with a gray tinge. When green, these trees tend to have a strong, unpleasant odor but this disappears once they are fully in season. These trees are slow growing and are known as hardwood tropical trees.
Role in Ecosystem:
Ramin forests are known as priority species. This means that they are selected to undergo various scientific studies and contain various other wildlife species which are incorporated into the same habitat. Ramin trees have a couple important roles in the ecosystem. First off, these trees are homes to the other priority species in the same habitat. Some of these species are also endangered species, such as the orangutan and Malayan tigers. Like most trees, they are also important because they produce oxygen, prevent the erosion of soil, and help slow down climate change.
Cause of Decline:
The first main threat experienced by these trees is legal and illegal trade. Although the governments in the regions have made various attempt in order to put a stop to the international trade but there continue to be illegal trades. There is a reoccuring issue with smuggling wood out of these regions. This trade is due to its high demand, often being used to make children's furniture, blinds, and other hardwood furniture or accessories. Over half of their decline is due to illegal logging. In addition to this, there are issues with poor harvest management and controls throughout southeast Asia which has lead to a continuing decline of these trees. Since these trees are slow growing, it is very difficult to revive their population.
Ramin forests are known as priority species. This means that they are selected to undergo various scientific studies and contain various other wildlife species which are incorporated into the same habitat. Ramin trees have a couple important roles in the ecosystem. First off, these trees are homes to the other priority species in the same habitat. Some of these species are also endangered species, such as the orangutan and Malayan tigers. Like most trees, they are also important because they produce oxygen, prevent the erosion of soil, and help slow down climate change.
Cause of Decline:
The first main threat experienced by these trees is legal and illegal trade. Although the governments in the regions have made various attempt in order to put a stop to the international trade but there continue to be illegal trades. There is a reoccuring issue with smuggling wood out of these regions. This trade is due to its high demand, often being used to make children's furniture, blinds, and other hardwood furniture or accessories. Over half of their decline is due to illegal logging. In addition to this, there are issues with poor harvest management and controls throughout southeast Asia which has lead to a continuing decline of these trees. Since these trees are slow growing, it is very difficult to revive their population.
Why Should We Care: Trees are so important because they have an incredible impact on the environment as listed above. Without trees, we would no have oxygen, therefore taking away our ability to breathe. In addition to this, we discusses how, ramin trees specifically, are a habitat to other species which are also endangered because of their loss of habitat. Working towards conservation of ramin wood would be beneficial for the species itself as well as other species which are struggling to strive in the ecosystem. It seems that trees are not given as much attention as other animal species, but the truth is, without these trees, there are many southeast Asian species that would cease to exist. So we need to make more effort and draw attention to this over looked species of trees. Conservation Efforts: WWF is hoping to decrease the amount of ramin wood exported so that they can ensure the species will strive in the wild. It also hopes to help these SE Asian range states in solving the issues of illegal logging so that they an control the illegal trade of the hardwood. The Asia-Pacific Forest Programme through WWF has a desire to better manage the target areas so that the landscape and ecosystem can better agricultural and industry practices. These efforts will all work towards better the wildlife for ramin forests. One easy thing that can be done by students and society is that we can make sure to avoid buying anything made by ramin. We should make sure that our blinds, furniture, hardwood floors, etc. is NOT made using the wood of ramin trees. By doing this, we can decrease the demand, in turn, hopefully lessening the supply and cutting down of the trees. In addition to this, we can spread the awareness and importance of these trees so that people are more aware of how important Ramin forests are and this easy way we can help. |