Animal logging: an environmentally friendly technology in sustainable forest resources management.

Abstract

The study was carried out to provide possible solutions to promote the sustainable forest resources management by implementing an appropriate technology that is friendly to the environment. It is a technique of timber skidding by using animals, called animal logging. Methods for reaching the objective are investigating some literatures and collecting data directly in the field. It was stressed to present the efficiency in terms of productivity and costs and analyse the environmental aspects. Results showed that animal logging was a challenge and option that could be considered the most appropriate logging method for the sustainable management of forest resources. In environmental aspects, it avoids soil erosion and soil compaction, reduces damage to the residual stand and young seedling, and also assists ecological processes such as seed dispersal and germination. Since no skidding road is needed, it gives economical benefits such as low cost of skidding. In addition, it provides job opportunities for the local people.