Spatial Conservation Prioritisation of Threatened Forest Ecosystems in Myanmar

Deforestation, fragmentation and fires are habitat transformers and responsible for loss of biodiversity. This study attempts to evaluate threat status of forest ecosystems by determining regional-level hot spots of deforestation, fragmentation and fires in Myanmar. The states of Ayeyarwady, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw have the highest annual rate of deforestation from 2005 to 2016. There is a significant reduction in spatial extent of large core forest. Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw had shown more than 20% of loss in large core forest from 2005 to 2016. Geospatial analysis indicates all the major forest types were affected by fires during 2003 to 2017. The study found that dry deciduous forests were highly affected by fires. More than 60% of the forest area of Magway, Mandalay, Chin, Kayah, Kayin and Shan had found to be under forest fire hot spot. Comparative spatial assessment was carried out on fire hot spots, deforested and fragmented landscapes to provide overview of priority conservation areas. The study identified five states in Myanmar affected by multiple threats and categorised as Conservation Priority Hot Spot I, eight states as Conservation Priority Hot Spot II and two states as low-risk areas categorised as Conservation Priority Hot Spot III. The analysis of hot spots of deforestation, fragmentation and fires provides a consistent way of ecosystem monitoring and biodiversity conservation in Myanmar. The study demonstrates repeatable earth observations as an important prerequisite for sustainable forest management in Myanmar.