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引发陆地群落破碎化进而导致景观格局变化的关键驱动因素，本研究旨在剖析破碎化景观中的植被类群结构变化。本研究所采用的方法基于斑块动态模型，分析时段覆盖1979年至2015年。研究选取植被类群的定量变量（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）开展分析。最终识别出植被类群的收缩与扩张过程，同时发现群落片段的结构发生改变，进而导致边缘效应加剧。