Malaysia is one of the world's most biologically diverse regions, but vast tracts of forests with their abundant and diverse fauna and flora, have been cleared or degraded in recent times. This book provides an invaluable overview of the ecological, social and economic history of Malaysia's rain forests, and the consequences of their decline. The book examines what has been done to conserve the region's natural wealth and recommends changes to help develop a more sustainable future. It is a valuable case study demonstrating the enormous complexity of issues underlying tropical deforestation and highlighting the danger of forming over-simplistic conclusions.

S. Robert Aiken's profile page

Colin H. Leigh's profile page

S. Robert Aiken, Associate Professor, Department of Geography, Concordia University. Colin H. Leigh, Professional Officer, Melbourne Parks and Waterways.

'...essential reading for anyone concerned with the fate of the rain forests. ...well written and informative, providing a valuable compilation of information from many contemporary and post studies of the various aspects of rain-forest usage.' 'This book can be highly recommended as essential reading for anyone concerned with rain forests.' S. M. Brooks, University of Bristol, Progress in Physical Geography 18,2 (1994)

'a very comprehensive, well researched and scholarly account on the topical subject of the increasing rate of rain forest loss ... The reviewer congratulates the authors on the production of this well documented and thought provoking book and strongly recommmends tht it is read by all tropical foresters, conservationists and environmentalists, especially those interested and working in the tropical moist forest.' J. Wyatt-Smith, Commonwealth Forestry Review 75 (3), 1996

'Aiken and Leigh give an excellent exposition of the problem. It reads well and convincingly. The use of parenthetic amplification of subject matter is excellent.' R.F. Sutton, The Forestry Chronicle, February 1993, Vol. 69, No. 1

'There is material here of interest to those interested in early (including colonial) conservation activity Vanishing Forests has been well done.' Chris Barrow, University College of Swansea, TWPR. 14 (3) 1992

'There is material here of interest to those interested in early (including colonial) conservation activity. Vanishing Forests has been well done' Chris Barrow, University College of Swansea, Third World Planning Review, Vol. 14, No. 3, August 1992