FAUNA AND FLORA O F MANGROVE SWAMPS
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1. Firewood and charcoal
The main use of mangrove timber today is for firewood and charcoal
(Fig. 76). For this purpose the rhizophoras are preferred. I n some areas
such as the extensive estuarine forests near Suratthani in peninsular
Thailand these species have been virtually exterminated. In most of
South East Asia forest management has enabled the species to survive.
FIG. 76. Some of a battery of over thirty kilns for charcoal production. Logs are piled
close to the entrance to the kiln, baskets of charcoal ready for distribution are in
the foreground. (South of Ranong, Thailand, February 1967.)
Management practice has been outlined by several authors, for its
need was recognized, at least in Malaya, towards the end of the nineteenth century. Discussions of the different types of forest management
attempted and used will be found in the memoirs published by Watson
(1928) and Noakes (1951). I n Malaya management on a rotational
basis has been followed since 1900. I n most other countries it is more
recent.