Discussion of forest definitions and tree cover estimates for Haiti

Abstract

In PNAS, Hedges et al. (1) estimate that only 0.32% of “primary forest” cover of Haiti remains. They argue the situation is dire and predict that Haiti will have no remaining primary forest by 2035 (1). We highlight several assumptions in their forest definition parameters and subsequent national extrapolation that result in subjective and potentially biased results—a phenomenon that the authors paradoxically note is common in forest cover estimates (2). The exclusion of extensive secondary forest, regrown before and since 1988, incorrectly establishes this arbitrary date as a baseline condition and ignores the likelihood that some of these 1988 stands included secondary forests. Additionally, their approach discounts a well-known forest classification standard—established in Haiti, for Haiti—that includes forest categories … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence should be addressed. Email: wamplerp{at}gvsu.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1