DNA databases of an important tropical timber tree species Shorea leprosula (Dipterocarpaceae) for forensic timber identification.

International timber trade communities are increasingly demanding that timber in the wood supply chain be sourced from sustainably harvested forests and certified plantations. This is to combat illegal logging activities to prevent further depletion of our precious forests worldwide. Hence, timber tracking tools are important to support law enforcement officials in ensuring only sustainably harvested timbers are traded in the market.

DNA databases of a CITES listed species Aquilaria malaccensis (Thymelaeaceae) as the tracking tools for forensic identification and chain of custody certification.

Aquilaria malaccensis (Thymelaeaceae) is the main source of high-grade agarwood in Southeast Asia. Aggressive collections and trade activities over the past decades have put great pressure on the natural stands and raised concerns over the long-term survival potential of A. malaccensis.

Tropical and subtropical Asia's valued tree species under threat.

Tree diversity in Asia's tropical and subtropical forests is central to nature-based solutions. Species vulnerability to multiple threats, which affect provision of ecosystem services, is poorly understood. We conducted a region-wide, spatially explicit assessment of the vulnerability of 63 socioeconomically important tree species to overexploitation, fire, overgrazing, habitat conversion, and climate change.

Low genetic diversity indicating the threatened status of Rhizophora apiculata (Rhizophoraceae) in Malaysia: declined evolution meets habitat destruction.

Worldwide, many mangrove species are experiencing significant population declines, including Rhizophora apiculata, which is one of the most widespread and economically important species in tropical Asia. In Malaysia, there has been an alarming decline in R. apiculata populations driven primarily by anthropogenic activities.

A geographical traceability system for Merbau (Intsia palembanica Miq.), an important timber species from peninsular Malaysia.

To inform product users about the origin of timber, the implementation of a traceability system is necessary for the forestry industry. In this study, we developed a comprehensive genetic database for the important tropical timber species Merbau, Intsia palembanica, to trace its geographic origin within peninsular Malaysia. A total of 1373 individual trees representing 39 geographically distinct populations of I.

Forensic timber identification: a case study of a CITES listed species, Gonystylus bancanus (Thymelaeaceae).

Illegal logging and smuggling of Gonystylus bancanus (Thymelaeaceae) poses a serious threat to this fragile valuable peat swamp timber species. Using G. bancanus as a case study, DNA markers were used to develop identification databases at the species, population and individual level.

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers for an important tropical tree, Aquilaria malaccensis (Thymelaeaceae).

Premise Of The Study: Aggressive collections and trade activities in recent decades have resulted in heavy pressure on the natural stands of Aquilaria malaccensis and concerns over its long-term survival potential. To aid DNA profiling and assessment of its genetic diversity, microsatellite markers were developed for the species.

Methods And Results: Seventeen polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed for A.