What is the meaning of timber poaching?

Timber poaching refers to the illegal harvesting of trees from forests, often without permission from landowners or regulatory authorities. This practice typically involves cutting down valuable tree species for profit, leading to significant environmental damage, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of ecosystems. Timber poaching can also contribute to deforestation and affect local communities that rely on forests for their livelihoods. Efforts to combat timber poaching include stricter enforcement of laws, sustainable forestry practices, and raising awareness about the importance of forest conservation.