Peatland degradation and conversion sequences and interrelations in Sumatra

In this study, we used over 50 high-resolution satellite images to analyse sequences and interrelations in the progression of peatland degradation and conversion processes in Sumatra, Indonesia. Changes were monitored in three study areas of 2,500-3,500 km(2) since the 1970s and examined in conjunction with satellite-based active fire data sets. Forests disturbed by intensive logging were noticed to be intermediate stages towards further degradation. Fires were practically non-existent in nearly pristine peat swamp forests (7 fires/100 km(2), 1996-2010), but were highly concentrated in heavily degraded forest areas (140 fires/100 km(2)) leading to either an extremely degraded landscape or conversion to agriculture. The results highlight the vulnerability of degraded peat swamp forest ecosystems and indicate that most of the remaining forested peatlands in Sumatra are in danger of either being fully converted to agriculture or turning into degraded unmanaged wastelands under current peatland management practices.