Landscape patterns changes and deforestation drivers of Topical dry forest in the 1 upper Magdalena river basin (Colombia)

29 páginas : gráficas, mapasLand use cover change (LUCC)1 is recognized as a critical factor influencing global 8 change, due to its effects on loss of biodiversity and ecosystem function, diminishing 9 sustainability of landscapes. This is especially important in the ecosystems most vulnerable 10 to global change. Here we analyze Tropical Dry Forest (TDF)2 land cover change patterns 11 in upper Magdalena river basin and identify drivers of these changes between 1987 and 12 2018, in order to establish a baseline for prioritizing restoration and conservation policies in 13 the region. We found a landscape consistently dominated by anthropogenic land use 14 classes, especially pastures and crops throughout the study period. TDF potential 15 distribution were 1588200 ha, but only 13% remains in 2018; represented by small (most ≦ 16 10 ha) and isolated patches. Between 74 and 76% of patches were located in the northern 17 area (>3,45ºN) of study area. Abrupt changes in landscape metrics were notable between 18 1987 and 2000 when there was a higher loss of forest cover. Direct drivers of TDF decrease 19 were distance to agricultural territories (crops and pastures), to population centers and to 20 roads. Deforestation was promoted by national public policies promulged in the 1980s but was reduced by laws promulged in the 1990s. However, TDF remains at risk due to 22 development of road infrastructure. Our results indicated the need of policies oriented to 23 conservation of TDF in the northern zone and to restoration in the southern zone, and a 24 review of infrastructure policy that directly threatens conservation of this ecosystem in the 25 region