Resumo

PEREZ HERNANDEZ, María Jesús et al. Dynamics of changes in land use and vegetation due to anthropogenic activities in Zaachila, Oaxaca. Rev. mex. de cienc. forestales [online]. 2021, vol.12, n.66, pp.26-45.  Epub 04-Out-2021. ISSN 2007-1132.  https://doi.org/10.29298/rmcf.v12i66.894.

The importance of forests from the goods and services that they provide is recognized worldwide. Nevertheless, changes in land use and vegetation have led to changes in climate patterns, flooding, soil degradation biodiversity, loss and threats to livelihoods and to the cultural integrity of humankind. The objective of this research was to analyze the dynamics of changes in land use and vegetation at the local level, in order to have specific basis for the proper management of ecosystems in the San Pablo Cuatro Venados municipality, Zaachila, Oaxaca. The objective of this research was to analyze the dynamics of changes in land use and vegetation at the local level, in order to have specific basis for the proper management of ecosystems in the San Pablo Cuatro Venados municipality, Zaachila, Oaxaca. Results showed that, from 1987 to 2020, human settlements have gained more surface area, having a positive rate of 11.41 %, which means an increment of 221.6 ha; the tree vegetation also increased by 698.2 ha, compared with 1987 (2 596.2 ha). On the other hand, the shrub vegetation lost 654 ha, giving up areas to grassland, human settlements, farming, and tree vegetation covers. The changes in the shrub cover revealed an important replacement of this type of vegetation with areas oriented to anthropic activities. The rate of tree cover change shows rational use of forest resources in the municipality, although the areas with the highest deforestation levels were located mainly close to population centers.

Palavras-chave : Forest use; dynamics of change; spectral signature; satellite images; restoration; rate of change.