Living World: Malaysia Case Study Flashcards
(13 cards)
Where is Malaysia’s tropical rainforest located?
In Southeast Asia, on the Malay Peninsula and parts of Borneo
How much of Malaysia’s land is covered by tropical rainforest?
0.67
What proportion of Malaysia’s CO₂ is absorbed by its rainforests?
Over 30%
What was the scale of forest cleared for settlements between 1956 and 1980s?
15 000 km² of rainforest cleared under transmigration programme
How large an area did the Bakun Dam flood?
700 km² of forest
What is Malaysia’s role in palm oil production?
World’s largest exporter of palm oil
What was Malaysia’s status in hardwood exports in the 1980s?
Top exporter of tropical hardwoods
What species are threatened by deforestation in Malaysia?
Orangutangs, hornbills, clouded leopards and more
Why is logging a major issue in Malaysia?
Clear felling and illegal logging cause rapid deforestation and biodiversity loss
What has been the impact of road building in Malaysia?
Major roads built to access logging and mining areas fragment habitats
How is energy development contributing to deforestation in Malaysia?
Hydroelectric projects like Bakun Dam flood large rainforest areas
Why is population pressure a factor in Malaysian deforestation?
Transmigration schemes moved people into rainforest areas for farming
How does deforestation affect the Malaysian economy?
Short-term gain from resources, but threatens ecotourism and biodiversity
