@article{fdi:010091609,
  title = {{T}he distribution and drivers of tree cover in savannas and forests across {I}ndia},
  author = {{G}opalakrishna, {T}. and {R}ifai, {S}.{W}. and {R}atnam, {J}. and {O}liveras {M}enor, {I}mma and {S}tevens, {N}. and {M}alhi, {Y}.},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{T}he 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.



{T}his is especially problematic in {I}ndian savannas which have been historically misclassified as degraded forests and are targeted for tree-planting. {H}ere, we examine biome distribution and determinants through the lens of tree cover



across {I}ndia. {O}ur analyses reveal four distinct zones of differing tree cover, with intermediate zones containing savanna vegetation. {R}ainfall seasonality determines maximum possible tree cover non-linearly.



{O}nce rainfall seasonality is factored out, soil sand fraction and topography partially explain residual variation of tree cover. {H}igh domestic livestock herbivory and other anthropogenic pressures reduce tree cover.



{L}astly, lack of detectable fires precludes robust conclusions about the relationship between fire and tree cover. {B}y considering these environmental drivers in restoration planning, we can improve upon simplistic tree planting initiatives



that may be detrimental to {I}ndian savannas.},
  keywords = {{INDE} ; {ZONE} {TROPICALE}},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{C}ommunications {E}arth and {E}nvironment},
  volume = {5},
  numero = {1},
  pages = {399 [10 ]},
  ISSN = {2662-4435},
  year = {2024},
  DOI = {10.1038/s43247-024-01568-4},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010091609},
}