The Influence of Selective Logging on Primates and some other Animals in East Kalimantan

A brief survey was conducted in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, to determine the influence of selective logging operations on primate populations. Data were also collected on some birds and squirrels. Selective logging that causes only moderate habitat disturbance does not seem to result in a significant decrease in the densities of several primate species. Whereas some species adjust readily to moderately disturbed habitats, other species may have difficulty in maintaining a breeding population in logged areas. A review of the literature plus our own data suggest that rain forest birds and squirrels seem to be the most disrupted by selective logging of their habitats. While some of the other mammals are directly harmed by selective logging, others are endangered only by the human encroachment that often follows. Suggestions regarding enlightened tropical forestry practices, additional studies of the influence of selective logging, and the establishment of forest preservation areas are also discussed.