Tree Conservation Information Service
| Neobalanocarpus heimii
Dipterocarpaceae Common/Trade name Chengal. Malaysia: chengai, penak. Thailand: takhian-chan, takhian chantamaeo (peninsular), chi-ngamat (Narathiwat). Distribution Indonesia (it may be extinct), Peninsular Malaysia, Thailand (south of Pattani). Habitat N. heimii grows under a wide range of ecological conditions but appears to grow best on undulating land with a light sandy soil (Thomas, 1953). In Thailand it occurs in Hill Dipterocarp forest along slopes and in valleys, often growing with Shorea curtisii (Smitinand et al., 1980). Population status and trends Chengal has been one of the most popular hardwoods of Peninsular Malaysia and has been heavily logged throughout the state. The species is the best known and most highly valued timber in the country. By the 1950s Chengal had been exterminated from some accessible areas, particularly in the western regions of Malaya (Thomas, 1953). In Malaysia the species is common but never abundant (Asia Regional Workshop, 1997). The species is listed as Vulnerable in Anon. (1985). FAO (1990) notes that the species has been over-exploited, has poor regeneration and is need of in situ conservation. Inventory data have been used to indicate the depletion of Chengal in Peninsular Malaysia in the period between the First (1971-72) and Second (1981-82) National Forest Inventories. There was a measured decrease in volume/ha and number/ha for trees over 45 cm in diameter in both virgin and logged over forests. Role of species in the ecosystem Threats Logging Timber properties The wood of Chengal has pale yellow sapwood and light-brown heartwood which darkens on exposure. It is a heavy, dense resistant wood which is easy to work. Utilisation Chengal is used for heavy construction, in bridge-making and for sleepers and telegraph poles. It is also used for boat building and in sea defences. Trade For the period 1986 - 1990, Peninsular Malaysia exported an average of 28,500 m3 of sawn wood annually, and the domestic market consumed an average of 69,000 m3 annually. Thailand is the main importer. (Soerianegara & Lemmens, 1993). IUCN Conservation category VU A1c,d - according to Lillian Chua Conservation measures Legislation Peninsular Malaysia - The export of Chengal in log form is banned by Peninsular Malaysia. Thailand - Conserved as a valuable source of Dammar. Prior to the general logging ban, exploitation of Chengal timber could only be carried out by special permission granted by the Ministry of Agriculture. Presence in protected areas Peninsular Malaysia Occurs in a number of Virgin Jungle Reserves including those in Ulu Sedili Forest Reserve, Johore, Panti Forest Reserve, Johore, Balah Forest Reserve, Pahang, Lesong Forest Reserve, Pahang, Gunung Besut Forest Reserve, Perak, Sungai Lalang Forest Reserve, Selangor, Angsi Forest Reserve, Negeri Sembilan and Pasoh Forest Reserve; it also occurs in Taman Negara National Park. Thailand Neobalanocarpus heimii does not occur in any protected areas within Thailand (Phengklai pers. comm., 1989) Forest management and silviculture Natural regeneration beneath parent trees is rarely abundant in primary rainforest except on ridges in hill forest. Seedlings need shade for development and some success has been achieved with planting in secondary forests (Soerianegara & Lemmens, 1993). In Malaysia there has been some success in enrichment planting trials in advancing secondary forest (Asia Regional Workshop, 1997). References Anon.
1985. In situ conservation of forest genetic resources in
Peninsular Malaysia. Forest Genetic Resources Information
No. 14: 32-49. FAO, Rome. Correspondence and personal communications C. Phengklai, Royal Forest Department, Bangkok, pers comm., November 1989.
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