From the temperate rainforests of Chile to Russia's northern taiga forests, researchers have evidence that the world's wooded lands are shrinking faster than even pessimists had thought. Corruption, greed and neglect have exacted their toll in Russia, Central Africa, North and South America and Southeast Asia. A series of reports based on new maps covering nearly half of the world's forests warn that unsustainable development practices are responsible for the degradation of vast areas.