Abstract
The goal of this study was to propose scientific and objective indices capable of measuring the changes that occur in the conservation status of the vegetation of a particular area over a period of time. To this end, phytosociologically-based vegetation cartography at a detailed scale was used, carried out at two different times, and the distance from the climax stage of the territory was calculated for each time. Three temporal indices of landscape change are proposed: Conservation Status Variation Index (ConSVI), Conservation Status Variation Velocity Index (ConSVVe) and Change Ratio (ChanRat). These enable the intensity, velocity, and percentage of change to be measured, and to determine whether this change is progressive or regressive—in other words, whether it is approaching or receding from the climax. To test the proposal, it was applied to a territory in Northwest Spain. The proposed indices are universally applicable to any territory and are the first of their kind to operate at a detailed scale with a phytosociological basis. They also enable an objective measurement to be made of the landscape change that has occurred, meaning that they have immense practical utility in studies of managing and planning territorial resources.
Highlights
Vegetation changes as a result of ecological processes that act at different temporal and spatial scales [1]
In order to be able to determine vegetation change, this study proposes indices that enable the conservation status of a territory to be calculated at a certain period of time and to compare it with an earlier period
The temporal indices of landscape change being proposed enable the changes that befall the vegetation in a territory to be detected and quantified in an objective way
Summary
Vegetation changes as a result of ecological processes that act at different temporal and spatial scales [1]. It is necessary to understand vegetation changes in order to manage natural habitats. Toward this end, the classification of vegetation aims to summarize the variation of vegetation using a limited number of abstract entities [1]. Natural plant communities must be differentiated from plantations, crops, and other non-natural formations. Such formations have benefited in recent years from the development of the human economy, with an attendant reduction in native forests. Rural areas affected by depopulation and the reduction of livestock and agricultural impacts could improve the state of conservation of native forests
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