Relación entre deforestación y variables topográficas en un contexto agrícola ganadero, cantón Cuenca

Abstract

Deforestation has historically been an evolution linked to many factors, including topographic. However, these factors are not considered for the analysis of deforestation that allows implicitly know the geographical scenarios linked to the change of use. In the present study, deforestation in two time periods and its relationship with altitude and topography was evaluated. Forest and combination of native vegetation: Forest + native vegetation and herbaceous vegetation cover two were considered. Methods of spatial analysis was applied for construction of digital layers and digital elevation models using GIS tools. He presented forest coverage losses in surface with greater intensity in the second period of analysis. Not, all combined native vegetation that presented only lost in the second period. The biggest changes of use, both in forest and vegetation combined are directed to the conversion of agricultural land. Higher deforestation was recorded at higher altitude sites, except for the combined native, which increased in the first period of study in higher altitude sites. Finally, changes in land use were recorded at sites with low and moderate slopes, except for the combined native vegetation increased in the first period of study in areas with lower slope. Knowledge of patterns of deforestation opportunity to experience the greatest impact scenarios to implement relevant actions to avoid changing land use.