Protecting jungle rubber is an investment in biodiversity that pays significant dividends. Jungle rubber is a traditional agroforestry practice that allows jungle plants to grow among the rubber trees. Of the total world rubber production, only about 7% comes fr om Indonesian jungle rubber. Studies from the Bungo District of Sumatra show that jungle rubber harbors more than 500 species of trees, mammals and birds, while rubber and oil palm monocultures contain only a handful of species. Bungo's jungle rubber may also provide corridors between Indonesia's giant Kerinci Seblat National Park and smaller protected areas. These areas provide homes to the critically endangered Sumatran Tiger and the world's largest flower, Rafflesia arnoldii .
Publication year
2007
Authors
Bennett M; Joshi L; Panjiwibowo C; Budidarsono S; Tata H L; Martini, E.; van Noordwijk, M.
Language
English
Keywords
agroforestry, biodiversity, conservation (storage), rafflesia arnoldii, rubber
Geographic
Indonesia
