2024 Articles

Exploring spatiotemporal landscape dynamics in Brazil (2002-2020): a conservation perspective

Sartorello, Ricardo; Alves Filho, Edson; Small, Christopher

This study aims to identify, quantify and delineate landscape units in Brazil based on the dynamics of vegetation cover maintenance and transformation on subannual to decadal time scales. Bimonthly satellite images (2002- 2020) were analyzed to characterize and quantify the spatiotemporal phenology of vegetation across Brazil and neighboring territories. The analysis identified two main landscape types: one with temporal stability, reflecting ancient natural processes in biomes such as the Amazon and Pantanal, and another with temporal variability, characterized by annual and biennial cycles in agricultural and pastoral areas in the Caatinga, Cerrado, and Atlantic Forest biomes. Phenological variations are influenced by seasonal precipitation and temperature, as well as fragmentation resulting from human activities such as agriculture and deforestation. The mapping reveals spatial discontinuities that range from protected territories to intensive agriculture, emphasizing the need to strengthen conservation strategies in protected areas, particularly in the Pantanal, Caatinga, Cerrado, and Atlantic Forest.