Comment on “The extent of forest in dryland biomes”.

Authors :: Griffith, Daniel M.
Lehmann, Caroline E. R.
Strömberg, Caroline A. E.
Parr, Catherine L.
Pennington, R. Toby
Sankaran, Mahesh
Ratnam, Jayashree
Still, Christopher J.
Powell, Rebecca L.
Hanan, Niall P.
Nippert, Jesse B.
Osborne, Colin P.
Good, Stephen P.
Anderson, T. Michael
Holdo, Ricardo M.
Veldman, Joseph W.
Durigan, Giselda
Tomlinson, Kyle W.
Hoffmann, William A.
Archibald, Sally
Source :: Science. 11/17/2017, Vol. 358 Issue 6365, p1-3. 3p. 1 Color Photograph, 1 Map.
Publication Year :: 2017
Abstract: Bastin et al. (Reports, 12 May 2017, p. 635) infer forest as more globally extensive than previously estimated using tree cover data. However, their forest definition does not reflect ecosystem function or biotic composition. These structural and climatic definitions inflate forest estimates across the tropics and undermine conservation goals, leading to inappropriate management policies and practices in tropical grassy ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]