Dynamics of vegetation structure in a fragmented landscape in Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract Considering that area and edge effects are the most important factors that lead to landscape changes from the fragmentation of terrestrial communities, the present study aimed to analyze changes in the structure of vegetation classes of a fragmented landscape. The methodology employed was based on a model of patch dynamics for the years between 1979 and 2015. The analysis was performed with quantitative (area, shape and edge effect) and qualitative (low declivity of the terrain, fire resistance and tolerance to variation in light) variables of the classes of vegetation. Processes of retraction and expansion of the vegetation classes were identified, as well as the alteration of the structure of the fragments, which resulted in the intensification of the edge effect.

摘要 鉴于面积效应与边缘效应是导致陆地群落破碎化并引发景观变化的关键驱动因素，本研究旨在分析破碎化景观的植被类别结构变化。本研究采用的方法基于1979年至2015年的斑块动态模型。分析过程选取植被类别的定量变量（面积、形状与边缘效应）与定性变量（地形低坡度、耐火性及光照变化耐受性）开展。研究识别出植被类别的收缩与扩张过程，以及斑块结构的改变，最终导致边缘效应的加剧。