Spatial and temporal land cover changes in Terminos Lagoon Reserve, Mexico

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Environmental Science
• Remote Sensing

Background:

• The Terminos Lagoon ecosystem in Mexico is a globally significant estuarine system, vital for coastal biodiversity.
• This ecologically rich area hosts critical infrastructure for national oil extraction, raising concerns about environmental impact.
• Previous studies have focused on deforestation and land use planning within this sensitive region.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify land cover changes in the Terminos Lagoon ecosystem between 1974 and 2001 using satellite imagery.
• To identify the primary drivers and patterns of deforestation and land use change within this important Mexican reserve.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of satellite imagery from 1974 to 2001 to map land cover.
• Quantification of changes in different land cover types, including tropical forest, mangroves, urban areas, and grasslands.
• Assessment of the extent of ecosystem area affected by land cover changes and deterioration.

Main Results:

• Significant losses in tropical forest and mangrove coverage were observed.
• Substantial increases in urban areas and induced grasslands were documented.
• By 2001, over half the ecosystem showed altered land cover, with one-third experiencing deterioration.

Conclusions:

• Cattle introduction and urban development were identified as the principal causes of land cover change.
• The oil industry indirectly fueled urban expansion and the ranching boom, contributing to ecosystem alteration.
• Natural reforestation and canopy recovery partially mitigated deforestation, but significant ecosystem changes occurred.