Depletion of tropical moist forests: A comparative review of rates and causes in the three main regions

Abstract Information on depletion of tropical moist forests throughout the world is reviewed, including its causes, course and consequences in Latin America, Africa and Southeast Asia. Primary, or undisturbed, forest under goes varying degrees of perturbation depending on exploitation practices. Timber exploitation has been particularly important in Southeast Asia. Slash-and-burn agriculture often follows due to improved access. Shifting cultivation is especially important in Africa, where high population pressure makes the access roads opened for logging an even stronger catalyst to entrance of slash-and-burn farmers. Cattle raising is a major cause in Latin America, often influenced by foreign market pressures and government policies.