Dipterocarpaceae: Survival amidst degradation: A brief compilation for conservative prescription

Tropical rainforest, in a minute scale of geographical distribution on earth comprises 7% of total land surface, functions as a biodiversity haven for 50% of terrestrial life. Amazingly, in 10 ha of Borneo forest, 700 species of trees can be found which is equal to the whole species found in North America. Ecologically speaking, with the current situation of rainforest degradation, bird species for example, will experience the loss of 25% of 10 million species before the year of 2015, which equals to the 50 species a day. The major family in tropical rain forest, -Dipterocarpaceae, representing 40% of emergent trees and 30% of basal area in land and hill forest, where its forest management is a serious call for those who listen. This family has become the primary candidate for timber harvesting based on their strength and stability. The advent of timber harvesting with the introduction of Selective Logging became the first step of Malaysia towards utilization of forest derivatives. Since then, many logging systems were introduced and improved towards sustainable production for the sake of economic productivity and biodiversity conservation. Rehabilitation and forest management play a vital role in maintaining the resilience of this family yet the timber harvesting method should also need holistic amendments to sustain Dipterocarpaceae from its extinction and loses of important genetic diversity. This paper highlights the overview of Dipterocarpaceae as the main logging sources by describing its reproductive physiology, regeneration, their journey amidst degradation, the improvements of timber harvesting method towards sustainable future as well as compiling the past and present researches to find the gap of knowledge towards a core comprehension of this majestic family,- Dipterocarpaceae.