DEFORESTACIÓN DE LAS SIERRAS CHICAS DE CÓRDOBA (ARGENTINA) EN EL PERÍODO 1970-1997

Artículo

Resumen *

We describe and analyze the deforestation process that affected the Chaco montane dry woodland in the Sierras Chicas of Córdoba, Argentina, by comparing the 1970, 1987 and 1997 situations in a 33300 ha sample area (geographic center in 31° 10´ S - 64° 20´ W) that includes both the montane and foothill plain subregions. Land-cover maps were developed based on aerial photographs (for 1970 and 1987) and Landsat TM images (1997). Overall forest loss during the study period reached 40%, being higher in the foothill plain (51%) than in the montane (21%) subregion. Annual deforestation rates were 1.2% and 2.8% for the montane and foothill plain subregions respectively. Deforestation rate was positively associated with proximity to roads and negatively to land slope. Forest fragmentation was substantial in both subregions. Deforested areas were replaced by shrubland (43%), grassland (28%), cultivated land (6%), and urban areas (20%). If the observed rates are extrapolated to year 2020, forest cover is expected to be reduced to 20% of the area occupied in 1970, whereas urban areas would increase by 1149%. Our results indicate that the Sierras Chicas montane woodland is under severe threat. Accordingly, its conservation status should be changed from vulnerable, as presently categorized, to endangered. Información suministrada por el agente en SIGEVA