Spatial patterns and ecological drivers of tropical moist forest transitions in the Kahuzi Biega National Park landscape eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Kahuzi-Biega National Park (KBNP) has experienced significant tropical moist forest loss and degradation since 1990, driven by civil unrest and human activities. The study reveals that stable undisturbed tropical moist forest (UTMF) persists in homogeneous landscapes with large, contiguous patches, while degradation is concentrated at low altitudes near roads and deforestation occurs more frequently at higher altitudes close to burn scars. Secondary-forest regrowth is predominantly found in remote, inaccessible areas. Using 30-m resolution Landsat land-cover maps and field observations, researchers constructed a 33-year transition matrix to analyze ten common pathways of forest change, assessing spatial metrics such as patch density, edge length, and proximity to human disturbances. Logistic regression identified key ecological drivers, highlighting priority conservation hotspots where reinforcing measures could mitigate further loss.

Cirezi, N. C., Mugumaarhahama, Y., Useni, Y. S., Bayumbasire, C. C., Karume, K., Lumbuenamo, R. S., Bastin, J.-F., & Bogaert, J. (2025). Spatial patterns and ecological drivers of tropical moist forest transitions in the Kahuzi Biega National Park landscape eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Discover Forests, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44415-025-00046-9