The expansion of tree plantations across tropical biomes

Across the tropics, recent agricultural shifts have led to a rapid expansion of tree plantations, often into intact forests and grasslands. However, this is poorly characterized. Here, we report tropical plantation between 2000 2012, based on classifying nearly 7 million unique patches observed cover gain using optical radar satellite imagery. The resulting map was subsample all but coupled it with an extensive random accuracy assessment (n = 4,269 points) provide unbiased estimates expansion. Most predicted (69.2%) consisted small natural regrowth (31.6 ± 11.9 Mha). plantations also dominated increases in across tropics (32.2 9.4 Mha) 92% occurring biodiversity hotspots 14% arid biomes. We estimate that expanded 9.2% accessible protected areas humid most frequently southeast Asia, west Africa Brazil. Given international planting commitments, critical understand how future will affect remaining ecosystems. Changes practices Nearly are classified through imagery 2012.