Forests reserved for rubber?

Abstract

Among the world’s tropical regions, Southeast Asia has the highest relative deforestation rate and, for many faunal and floral groups, very high proportions of endemic and threatened species (Sodhi et al. 2010). Malaysia – which lies within this region – should therefore be lauded for retaining nearly 60% of its land area under forest cover, to help sustain its rich biodiversity. However, tropical rainforests there and elsewhere still face manifold threats. Recently, Mann (2009) highlighted how rubber plantations are already gnawing away at natural forests across much of Southeast Asia. Now, it appears that because of a policy loophole, even Malaysia’s forest reserves will not be spared. Much of the remaining