Hot Spots of Forest Pattern Processes over the Last Decade in Europe

A new method based on mathematical morphology and combined with customized measures was applied for European reporting on forest ecosystem goods and services, with special emphasis on forest spatial pattern processes ¿fragmentation and lack of connectivity- leading to loss of biodiversity. Four pattern processes were informed over a 10 years time frame from the European CORINE Land Cover data at 100m spatial resolution. They capture (1) sample effects (when habitat units are totally lost), (2) area effects (reduction of habitat units in number and size, small/large fragments issue), (3) isolation effects (increased distance between habitat units, reduction of structural/functional connectivity), and (4) edge effects (creation of forest edge habitat, internal and external edge effects). The computation of each of the four patterns processes is based on combinations of seven forest spatial patterns classes (core, small fragments, edges, perforation, connectors as bridges and loops, branches) identified with 100m edge width in the year 1990 and 2000. European hot spots maps and associated area statistics summarized the processes at country and administrative NUTS3 management levels. The direction and degree of each forest processes is informed: low and high increase and decrease levels. Each management unit was also assigned a forest proportion category ( 60%) in 1990. The most critical hot spots for the survival of area-sensitive forest interior species were identified for the four processes in the less forested regions (below 30% threshold). This large-scale harmonized assessment identified landscape level hot spots of pattern changes where local surveys are needed and correction measures would probably be necessary for conservation and landscape restoration.JRC.H.7-Land management and natural hazard