Forestry of the World

World Distribution of Forests

Northern Coniferous Belt

Climate conditions are very cold and harsh Only coniferous trees are suited to these

conditions as deciduous trees are unable to survive in these conditions

Examples: larchbirchdouglas fir

sitka spruce

Northern Template Belt

Climate is mild and the soil conditions are good

Consists of both coniferous and deciduous trees

As this region is densely populated it does not contain large forest areas

Examples: OakAshMaple Sitka spruce

Tropical Rainforests

Climate has high rainfall and high temperature

This area runs around the equator As there are no seasons, growth occurs all

year round Examples: Mahogany

BalsaEbonyTeak

Southern Temperate Belt

Climate is mild and seasonal Consists of both coniferous and deciduous

trees Less land in this region compared to

others Examples: Oak

BeechParana PineEucalyptus

Deforestation

Deforestation is the destruction of large forests areas without replanting trees cut down

Timber is a renewable resource only when it is managed properly and trees replanted when cut down

In tropical regions forests are been cut down and not replanted

It is estimated areas the size of Ireland are been lost each year

Reasons for Deforestation

Large areas cleared for farming and ranching (slash and burn technique)

High demand for tropical hardwood Natives of some regions use timber as an

economical source of fuel for heating and cooking

Commercial interests of large multi-national and local logging companies

Effects of Deforestation

Slash and burning methods kill all animals, birds and insects causing many to become extinct

Burning of trees contributes to air pollution Number of trees available to consume CO2 and

produce O2 is reduced, causing the greenhouse effect

Effects the weather and global climate Increases soil erosion in deforested areas Native tribes are removed from their homes Flooding – as trees consume large amounts of

water their removal can cause the water table to rise

How to Prevent Deforestation

Only use tropical woods that are grown in managed forests (for each tree cut down one is replanted)

Where possible use manufactured boards rather than solid tropical hardwoods

Try to recycle wood and wood products - paper