Natural forest formations
Forest cover map |
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For an area that stretches for about 5 000 km along the equator with several recognised geological and phyto-geographical divisions, the flora of Indonesia is relatively uniform (von Steenis, 1953, 1954; Backer, 1965; Jacobs, 1974; Lamonier, 1980), however still exhibiting a biological diversity and richness which is without comparison in South East Asia. The various climax types have stages derived both artificially (by man) and by nature itself. Shifting cultivation, hunting, burning practices and selective tree felling have influenced vegetation in some places to a high degree, for many centuries. Where the impact has continued for some period of time, especially in semi-dry climates, the derived seral vegetation types may have become stabilised. There is little difference between pioneer stands resulting from anthropogenic causes and those originating from natural factors such as fire, storm and volcanic eruption (for example, pine stands in northern Sumatra and Casuarina stands in eastern Java).
The above map is an extract from the Global Forest Cover map produced as part of FRA 2000. Please refer to FRA Working Paper 19 for a background to the production of the map.
The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.
Map source: Global Forest Resources Assessment 2000, base map: ESRI