Iwokrama has been involved in sustainable forestry operations using Reduced Impact Logging techniques (RIL) since 2007 and executed within its Sustainable Utilisation zone. This forest use activity offers many research opportunities that address utilisation impacts.
A recently published study within the Iwokrama forestry operation area has shown positive results regarding how mammals use logging roads. The study entitled: “Use of logging roads by terrestrial mammals in a responsibly managed neotropical rainforest in Guyana” was led by PhD student Arianne Harris who is part of the University of Guyana (UG) School of Graduate Studies and Research under the Biodiversity Interdisciplinary Inter-Faculties Programme.
This study aimed to assess how logging road use in an internationally certified, low-harvest RIL forest influences terrestrial mammal occupancy. The reason for looking at this aspect is because poor road development and management can lead to increased vulnerability of terrestrial mammals.
Key takeaways from this study:
- Mammal occupancy in the logged forest and control sites (unlogged forests) were similar.
- Detections of mammals in logged sites were higher along secondary and feeder roads compared to skid trails and the control sites (natural trails).
The results indicate that ‘proper road management geared towards the monitoring and guarded access of logging roads, can have a positive effect on terrestrial mammal occurrence within responsibly managed rainforests.’
This research was conducted in partnership with University of Guyana under the Iwokrama Science programme with data supplied from Operation Wallacea expeditions through Dr Matt Hallet with the funding support from the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Noteworthy is that three rangers associated with Iwokrama are recognised as co-authors on this publication. Ms Harris has submitted her PhD thesis to UG for review and assessment and is currently an Instructor within the Biology Department at said university.
