FRACTAL STATISTICAL STRUCTURE OF GLOBAL FOREST COVER

Abstract

This study analyzes the fractal statistical structure of forest covers in countries across the globe with the end-in-view of determining the hidden factors that produced such a structure. Nature in its original state is fractal as evidenced by the predominance of smaller observations than larger observations. The study made use of the descriptive research design to determine the current state of forest covers all over the world. Data were obtained from the Global Forest Cover file of the World Bank. Countries with low forest covers are characterized by population pressures coupled with ineffective implementation of forest laws and regulations making such countries vulnerable to fast rates of deforestation. Moreover, these countries have natural topographies that are not suitable for natural forest growths or where population pressure exerts a great deal of influence on the rate of deforestation. Countries with high forest covers have low population and have in place some of the better-implemented forest regulations and laws.