A New Field Protocol for Monitoring Forest Degradation

Forest degradation leads to the gradual reduction of forest carbon stocks, function, and biodiversity following anthropogenic disturbance. Whilst tropical is a widespread problem, it currently very under-studied its magnitude extent are largely unknown. This due, at least in part, lack developed tested methods for monitoring degradation. Due relatively subtle ongoing changes associated with degradation, which can include removal small trees fuelwood or understory clearance agricultural production, hard detect using Earth Observation. Furthermore, degrading activities normally spatially heterogeneous stochastic, therefore conventional inventory plots distributed across landscape do not act as suitable indicators: best only proportion (often zero) will actually be degraded undergoing active problem compounded because metal tree tags used permanent likely deter clearance, biasing inventories toward under-reporting change. We have new plot protocol designed monitor involves that set up quickly, so large number established landscape, easily remeasured, even though does use other obvious markers. present data from demonstration network Jalisco, Mexico, were measured twice between 2017 2018. The was successful, one detecting under our definition (losing greater than 10% AGB but remaining forest), further being deforested Avocado ( Persea americana ) production. Live ranged 8.4 Mg ha –1 140.8 Census 1, 0 144.2 2, four ten losing AGB, remainder staying stable showing slight increases. suggest this has great potential underpinning appropriate networks monitoring, potentially combination Observation analysis, also isolation.