INTRODUCTION

Deforestation refers to the loss or destruction of naturally occurring forests, primarily due to human activities such as logging, cutting trees for fuel, slash-and-burn agriculture, clearing land for livestock grazing, mining operations, oil extraction, dam building, and urban sprawl or other types of development and population expansion.

Not all deforestation is intentional. Some deforestation may be driven by a combination of natural processes and human interests. Wildfires burn large sections of forest every year, for example, and although fire is a natural part of the forest life-cycle  subsequent overgrazing by livestock or wildlife after a fire can prevent the growth of young trees.

This is the example of deforestation in Malaysia:

Picture 1: Conversion of forest oil palm plantation in Malaysia Borneo

Picture 2: Conversion of forest oil palm plantation in Malaysia Borneo

Picture 3: Conversion of forest oil palm plantation in Malaysia Borneo

Source: http://environment.about.com/od/biodiversityconservation/f/deforestation-overview.htm