Temporary analysis of land use changes in Pine and mixed forests in Mexico

Abstract

Objective: To assess the surface changes that occurred in pine forests, mixed forests and secondary vegetation of pine and mixed forests, at the national level, during the period 2001 to 2013.

Design/methodology/approach: We used the Land Use and Vegetation (USV) coverages of Series II (from 2001) and V (from 2013) of the National Institute of Statistics and Geography, of scales 1: 250,000 as primary sources of information. The classes on both coverages were grouped and homogenized, focusing on pine and mixed forests. The exchange rates and transition indicators were estimated for the analysis: estimated profit and loss surfaces, persistence indices, of exchanges and net changes, as well as the gain and loss indices to persistence.

Results: The rate of changes are negative for primary forests (pine and mixed) is in a range of 0.80 to 1.84. It was observed that 120,047 km2 (57.72%) were stable surfaces; however, 36 986 km2 (18.00%) were from losses, 14 369 km2 from gains and 28 738 km2 (14.00%) from different categories. During the period analyzed, 13.69% of the primary forests(2001)  passed to secondary vegetation in 2013.

Study limitations/implications: To observe the influence of other categories, it would be important to incorporate them through the study to analyze the system globally through the country.

Findings/Conclusions: The persistence area of primary forests is important for generating conservation policies.