Rubber Planting and Deforestation<strong> </strong>

Abstract

Wang et al. (Nature 623, 340&amp;mdash;350; 2023)1 used satellite observations and phenological signatures to estimate the extent of planted rubber (Hevea brasiliensis M&amp;uuml;ll.Arg.) and associated deforestation for eight Southeast Asian countries. Their map implies that planted rubber has caused more than 4&amp;thinsp;Mha of deforestation since 1993 &amp;mdash; a value greater than previously assumed. Unfortunately, their approach was flawed. Our assessment indicates that the actual extent of planted rubber is approximately half that reported by Wang et al., while the extent of associated deforestation is approximately one quarter.