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 鉴于面积与边缘效应是引发陆地群落破碎化并导致景观变化的最关键因素，本研究旨在分析破碎化景观中植被类别的结构变化。本次研究采用的方法基于1979年至2015年间的斑块动态（patch dynamics）模型。分析过程借助植被类别的定量变量（面积、形状与边缘效应）与定性变量（地形缓坡性、耐火性以及对光照变化的耐受性）展开。研究识别出植被类别的收缩与扩张过程，同时观测到斑块结构发生改变，这一变化最终加剧了边缘效应。