The study presents a globally consistent methodology to quantify gross forest cover loss (GFCL) from 2000 to 2005 using satellite imagery. GFCL is defined as the area of forest cover removed due to any disturbance, including both natural and human-induced causes. The estimated GFCL from 2000 to 2005 was 1,011,000 km², representing 3.1% of the 2000 total forest area. The boreal biome experienced the largest area of GFCL, followed by the humid tropical, dry tropical, and temperate biomes. North America had the largest total area and proportion of GFCL, while Brazil had the highest absolute area of GFCL at 165,000 km². The study highlights the pervasive global dynamic of GFCL but notes that GFCL represents only one component of net change, with regional differences in the processes driving GFCL and recovery rates. The methodology, based on a stratified random sample of 541 18.5-km × 18.5-km blocks, uses data from MODIS and Landsat sensors to provide spatially explicit estimates of forest cover and GFCL at biome, continental, and national scales. The results augment current global information, such as the FAO Forest Resource Assessment, by providing gross forest cover loss data and quantifying the biophysical extent and loss of forest cover.The study presents a globally consistent methodology to quantify gross forest cover loss (GFCL) from 2000 to 2005 using satellite imagery. GFCL is defined as the area of forest cover removed due to any disturbance, including both natural and human-induced causes. The estimated GFCL from 2000 to 2005 was 1,011,000 km², representing 3.1% of the 2000 total forest area. The boreal biome experienced the largest area of GFCL, followed by the humid tropical, dry tropical, and temperate biomes. North America had the largest total area and proportion of GFCL, while Brazil had the highest absolute area of GFCL at 165,000 km². The study highlights the pervasive global dynamic of GFCL but notes that GFCL represents only one component of net change, with regional differences in the processes driving GFCL and recovery rates. The methodology, based on a stratified random sample of 541 18.5-km × 18.5-km blocks, uses data from MODIS and Landsat sensors to provide spatially explicit estimates of forest cover and GFCL at biome, continental, and national scales. The results augment current global information, such as the FAO Forest Resource Assessment, by providing gross forest cover loss data and quantifying the biophysical extent and loss of forest cover.