Module 3: Biodiversity and Ecosystem Service Values of Natural Forest
In addition to bark and wood, all other parts of at least some species of plants are harvested from tropical forests for subsistence or commercial use (Table 2.4. Examples of important non-timber forest products derived from leaves, roots, flowers, and fruits of tropical trees.) Leaves and leaf buds of many species are used for medicines, food, fiber, shelter, and ornamental purposes. Flower buds, flowers, seeds, and fruits of many species are harvested for food for people and domesticated animals. Seeds and fruits of some tree species also supply edible and lubricating oils of local and international importance. Trade in orchids and other horticulturally valuable plants harvested from tropical forests is also substantial and, like all of these non-timber forest products, might influence the appropriate approach to silviculture.
Animals of all sorts are harvested from tropical forests for food, pets, medicinal purposes, and a variety of other uses. Insects (particularly some caterpillars, ants, termites, and beetle larvae) are relished by many people; the value of caterpillar harvests in miombo woodlands in Africa, for example, can be similar to that of the trees themselves. Most species of mammals and birds are also eaten by people, but only the larger ones often end up being commercially marketed. Unsustainable harvesting of wildlife is a great problem in many forests. Many forests end up being virtually devoid of wildlife larger than small rodents, and even these can be locally extirpated by over-hunting. For plant species with flowers pollinated and seeds dispersed by animals, loss of wildlife is obviously detrimental, but many of the more subtle impacts of “de-faunation” have yet to be investigated.