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A bioregional analysis of the distribution of rainforest cover, deforestation and degradation in Papua New Guinea
Citation
Shearman, P and Bryan, J, A bioregional analysis of the distribution of rainforest cover, deforestation and degradation in Papua New Guinea, Austral Ecology, 36, (1) pp. 9-24. ISSN 1442-9985 (2011) [Refereed Article]
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Copyright Statement
The definitive published version is available online at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Official URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
DOI: doi:10.1111/j.1442-9993.2010.02111.x
Abstract
Papua New Guinea (PNG) is an extensively forested country. Recent research suggests that despite
commencing a trajectory of deforestation and degradation later than many counties in the Asia–Pacific region,PNG
is now undergoing comparable rates of forest change. Here we explore the bioregional distribution of changes in the
forest estate over the period 1972–2002 and examine their implications for forest protection. This is undertaken
through the development of a novel bioregional classification of the country based on biogeographic regions and
climatic zones, and its application to existing forest cover and forest-cover change data.We found that degradation
and deforestation varied considerably across the 11 defined biogeographic regions.We report that the majority of
deforestation and degradation has occurred within all the lowland forests, and that it is these forests that have the
greatest potential for further losses in the near term.The largest percentage of total change occurred in the east of
PNG, in the islands and lowlands of the Bismarck, D’Entrecasteaux, East Papuan Islands and in the South-East
Papua–Oro region. The only region with a significant highlands component to undergo deforestation at a comparable
magnitude to the islands and lowland regions was the Huon Peninsula and Adelbert region. Significant
changes have also occurred at higher elevations, especially at the interface of subalpine grasslands and upper
montane forests. Lower montane forests have experienced proportionally less change, yet it is these forests that
constitute the majority of forests enclosed within the protected area system.We find that protected areas are not
convincingly protecting either representative areas of PNG’s ecosystems, nor the forests within their borders.We
conclude by suggesting a more expansive and integrated approach to managing the national forest estate.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Keywords: | bioregional classification, conservation, deforestation, degradation, forest-cover change, Papua New |
Research Division: | Environmental Sciences |
Research Group: | Environmental management |
Research Field: | Conservation and biodiversity |
Objective Division: | Environmental Management |
Objective Group: | Fresh, ground and surface water systems and management |
Objective Field: | Assessment and management of freshwater ecosystems |
UTAS Author: | Bryan, J (Ms Jane Bryan) |
ID Code: | 68833 |
Year Published: | 2011 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 38 |
Deposited By: | Geography and Environmental Studies |
Deposited On: | 2011-03-25 |
Last Modified: | 2017-10-31 |
Downloads: | 5 View Download Statistics |
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