Deforestation in Heilongjiang Province of China, 1896-2000: Severity, spatiotemporal patterns and causes

► Deforestation took place at an annual rate of 1146 km2 during 1896-1949. ► During 1980-2000 the rate is much lower at 419 km2 due to natural regeneration. ► Deforested areas shifted to higher and steeper grounds over the years. ► The main causes of deforestation are demand for timber until 1980. ► Land reclamation for farming and urbanisation caused recent deforestation.