Habitat Loss/Degradation (human induced) and associated threats such as fire, presence of drainage and irrigation canals and long-term intrinsic factors resulting from the alteration of hydrological regimes, etc. Other threats include unsustainable harvesting of its resources and the presence of canals for log transport.
Population Trend
Unknown/not recorded
Sub-national Level
Unknown/not recorded
Additional Details (if available)
This species is threatened by its historical over-exploitation for timber. Another major threat to the species is habitat loss and decline. This is caused by a variety of reasons in particular the development of oil palm plantations across the region. As previously stated, within Sarawak, over half of Permanent Forest Estates have been cleared and palm oil plantations established (Sabki et al. 2010). Forests are becoming degraded due to logging activity with stretches cleared for timber roads or railroads. In some places, this threat is more acute than others. The degradation of forests has put them at greater risk from fire which generates further risk (UNEP WCMC 2016). Within Indonesia, fire is thought to have significantly contributed to the decline in G. bancanus subpopulations. Habitat change also occurs as a consequence of land drainage and canal establishment within the swamps, in Malaysia (Chua 2010). The species is subject to habitat fragmentation and there is a lack of protected areas within peat swamps forests.
Name
Emma Hemmerlé
Scientific Name
Gonystylus bancanus
Common Name(s)
ramin
melawis
Type of Use
Extractive (i.e., the entire organism or parts of the organism are removed from its environment)
If extractive, for the target species, is this use
Lethal
Does this use involve take/extraction of
Only parts or products of the organism (e.g., feathers, leaves, branches, eggs, nuts)
Are specific characteristics/traits being targeted?
Unknown/not recorded
Purpose of Use
Basic subsistence (meeting day to day essential needs)
Income generation from trade at individual or household or community
Largescale commercial exploitation for trade
Cultural/spiritual
Additional Details (if available)
Ramin timber is widely used to make decorative cabinets, furniture, and interior decoration such as wall panelling, light flooring, door and window frames, mouldings, skirtings, ceilings, partitions, stair treads and counter tops. Ramin is also used to make toys, turnery, broom handles, venetian blind slats, dowels, picture frames and drawing boards; s. The resin is used by local communities as incense, while pounded fruits are used to poison fish. A concoction of roots is admi- nistered after childbirth.
What is the main end use for any living organisms, parts or products taken/extracted?