The Survival of a Forest-dependent Species and the Economics of Intensity of Logging: A Note

Analyses the economics of alternative land-use allocations for a forested area that ensure a targeted viable population of a forest-dependent species, such as the orangutan. The alternative of setting aside a sufficient fully protected portion of the forested area allowing the rest to be used for intensive forestry (or another intensive land use) in which the focal species is unable to survive is compared with that of fully protecting none of the forested area but allowing a sufficient portion of it to be lightly logged to ensure the survival of the targeted population of the focal species with the remainder of the land area (if any) being available for intensive use. The conditions for determining the least cost option (the one that minimizes profit forgone) are identified. It is not possible to say a priori which land use is the least cost option. The matter should not be prejudged as some conservationists tend to do.