Relationship between anthropization and spatial patterns in two contrasting landscapes of Chile

Abstract

We evaluated the anthropization dynamics and its relationship on landscape spatial patterns (LSPs) in two contrasting Chilean landscapes (Ñuble and Coyhaique) over the last four decades. Using remote sensing data, we built an anthropization index (AI) derived from land use and land cover (LULC) maps, and it was evaluated between the landforms of the landscapes. The AI was compared between the two study areas with landscape metrics using generalized linear mixed effect models (GLMMs). The results showed that the mean AI for Ñuble landscape was higher (AI = 0.53) than Coyhaique landscape (AI = 0.25). In Ñuble, the Andean Range presented the highest rate of change in AI (31%), while in Coyhaique the Steppe showed the highest change rate (5%). It was evidenced that urban expansion, agricultural, and tree plantation were the main land uses that led to an AI's increase in both landscapes. The relationship between AI with the landscape metrics were oppositely related in each landscape. For example, the patch density and edge density metrics showed a positive relationship in Coyhaique, while in Ñuble was negative. The proposed AI may be considered as a useful tool to deal with anthropization processes at larger spatial scales to improve landscape governance.