The distribution and drivers of tree cover in savannas and forests across India
The distribution of forest and savanna biomes and the role of resources (climate and soil) and disturbances (fire and herbivory) in determining tree-grass dynamics remains elusive and variable across geographies. This is especially problematic in Indian savannas which have been historically misclass...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Journal article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Nature Research
2024
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| _version_ | 1811140295494991872 |
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| author | Gopalakrishna, T Rifai, SW Ratnam, J Oliveras Menor, I Stevens, N Malhi, Y |
| author_facet | Gopalakrishna, T Rifai, SW Ratnam, J Oliveras Menor, I Stevens, N Malhi, Y |
| author_sort | Gopalakrishna, T |
| collection | OXFORD |
| description | The distribution of forest and savanna biomes and the role of resources (climate and soil) and disturbances (fire and herbivory) in determining tree-grass dynamics remains elusive and variable across geographies. This is especially problematic in Indian savannas which have been historically misclassified as degraded forests and are targeted for tree-planting. Here, we examine biome distribution and determinants through the lens of tree cover across India. Our analyses reveal four distinct zones of differing tree cover, with intermediate zones containing savanna vegetation. Rainfall seasonality determines maximum possible tree cover non-linearly. Once rainfall seasonality is factored out, soil sand fraction and topography partially explain residual variation of tree cover. High domestic livestock herbivory and other anthropogenic pressures reduce tree cover. Lastly, lack of detectable fires precludes robust conclusions about the relationship between fire and tree cover. By considering these environmental drivers in restoration planning, we can improve upon simplistic tree planting initiatives that may be detrimental to Indian savannas. |
| first_indexed | 2024-09-25T04:19:43Z |
| format | Journal article |
| id | oxford-uuid:f80f08c2-0b0d-417f-bd06-ecb9936ef409 |
| institution | University of Oxford |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-09-25T04:19:43Z |
| publishDate | 2024 |
| publisher | Nature Research |
| record_format | dspace |
| spelling | oxford-uuid:f80f08c2-0b0d-417f-bd06-ecb9936ef4092024-07-24T19:39:16ZThe distribution and drivers of tree cover in savannas and forests across IndiaJournal articlehttp://purl.org/coar/resource_type/c_dcae04bcuuid:f80f08c2-0b0d-417f-bd06-ecb9936ef409EnglishJisc Publications RouterNature Research2024Gopalakrishna, TRifai, SWRatnam, JOliveras Menor, IStevens, NMalhi, YThe distribution of forest and savanna biomes and the role of resources (climate and soil) and disturbances (fire and herbivory) in determining tree-grass dynamics remains elusive and variable across geographies. This is especially problematic in Indian savannas which have been historically misclassified as degraded forests and are targeted for tree-planting. Here, we examine biome distribution and determinants through the lens of tree cover across India. Our analyses reveal four distinct zones of differing tree cover, with intermediate zones containing savanna vegetation. Rainfall seasonality determines maximum possible tree cover non-linearly. Once rainfall seasonality is factored out, soil sand fraction and topography partially explain residual variation of tree cover. High domestic livestock herbivory and other anthropogenic pressures reduce tree cover. Lastly, lack of detectable fires precludes robust conclusions about the relationship between fire and tree cover. By considering these environmental drivers in restoration planning, we can improve upon simplistic tree planting initiatives that may be detrimental to Indian savannas. |
| spellingShingle | Gopalakrishna, T Rifai, SW Ratnam, J Oliveras Menor, I Stevens, N Malhi, Y The distribution and drivers of tree cover in savannas and forests across India |
| title | The distribution and drivers of tree cover in savannas and forests across India |
| title_full | The distribution and drivers of tree cover in savannas and forests across India |
| title_fullStr | The distribution and drivers of tree cover in savannas and forests across India |
| title_full_unstemmed | The distribution and drivers of tree cover in savannas and forests across India |
| title_short | The distribution and drivers of tree cover in savannas and forests across India |
| title_sort | distribution and drivers of tree cover in savannas and forests across india |
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