Book On Tropical Rainforest Genetics Launched

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 15 (Bernama) -- A book detailing the genetics of tropical rainforest and its implications on the profitable and sustainable management of forest resources in Southeast Asia was launched here Tuesday. The book, 'Managing The Future of South East Asia's Valuable Tropical Rainforest', is written by Professor R. Wickneswari, of the School of Environmental and Natural Resources Sciences, National University Malaysia. Wickneswari said the book would be the first to review Southeast Asian forest genetics and evolutionary biology, and serve as reference for forestry students, professional forest managers and policy-makers, and non-specialists involved in the tropical timber industry. She was speaking to reporters at a press conference after the book launching ceremony at the Forestry Faculty, Universiti Putra Malaysia by Forest Research Institute Malaysia chief executive officer Abd Rahman Abd Rahim. Meanwhile, Abd Rahman said the book was applicable as a reference for research and development, which was very important in sustaining the management and development of forests. The 116-page book can be ordered online through www.amazon.com and www.springer.com and costs RM450 (about US$147). -- BERNAMA