Availability or economic harvesting of products of the forest may be threatened by unplanned or careless destruction. For nationwide use and international trade, this can be detrimental for many developing countries with respect to wood products like roundwood logs, sawn timber, veneer and panels, pulp and paper. Serious consequences for local populations can arise with respect to supplies of honey, fruits, edible fungi, oils, meat and skins, gums, medicinal herbs and other forest products. Wildlife habitats can be seriously impaired by frequent forest and bush fires. Settlement schemes, for example for tsetse fly eradication, and poaching can endanger wildlife resources.
Some species can be important for food and hides.
Potential exists for systems combining certain wildlife with domesticated livestock, but the animal health aspects of mixed ranching need further study. The problems sketched above can be solved and detrimental impacts mitigated. Scientific research and development of technology and of management techniques can lead to the improved management practices that are needed urgently and on a large scale. Political will in this field has to date been inadequate. At the national level, forestry is still too often seen in isolation from the other areas of development.