The environmental drivers of tree cover and forest–savanna mosaics in Southeast Asia

Forest–savanna mosaics exist across all major tropical regions. Yet, the influence of environmental factors on distribution these is not well explored, limiting our understanding constraints savannas especially in Southeast Asia, where most mosaics. Despite clear structural and functional characteristics indicative savannas, SE Asian continue to be classified as forest. This designation problematic because are threatened by both fragmentation forest-centric management practices. By studying forest–savanna we aimed parse out how landscape forest savanna may constrained fire, climate soil characteristics. We used remotely sensed data characterize tree cover Using regression models, quantified relative effects precipitation, fire frequency, seasonality average patchiness. found that low cover, occurs drier, seasonal subregions experience frequent fire. Further, results demonstrate precipitation strongly shape Landscapes were patchiest with intermediate frequency. These important delineating globally patchiness Asia. Fire drives patterns scales. In a region suppression common strategy, suggest further research vegetation response needed improve conservation mosaic landscapes. More broadly, this work demonstrates useful approach for drivers