Full text available at http://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/43461227.pdf?acceptTC=trueThis study examines spatial and temporal dynamics of land cover in the Pugu and Kazimzumbwi forest reserve region of Tanzania. Cultivation and harvesting of forest products are the main factors affecting the vegetation. These factors are more pronounced in the eastern and northern parts of the forest reserves. Elsewhere, notably in the western parts of the reserves, there has been substantial recovery of vegetation. This is particularly apparent in areas of where depopulation oc- curred following the 'villagisation' program of the 1970's. Although most of the vegetation change occurred outside of the forest reserves, increasing population pressure around the forest reserves will likely lead to encroachment into the forest reserves proper.