Land cover changes and forest landscape evolution (1985–2009) in a typical Mediterranean agroforestry system (high Agri Valley)

摘要: Abstract. The present study focuses on the transformations of a typical Mediterranean agroforestry landscape southern Italy (high Agri Valley – Basilicata region) that occurred over 24 years. In this period, valuable agricultural and natural areas compose such were subjected to intensive industry-related activities linked exploitation largest European onshore oil reservoir. Landsat imagery acquired in 1985 2009 used detect changes forest major land use trajectories. Landscape metrics indicators adopted characterize structure evolution both complex ecomosaic (14 cover classes) forest/non-forest arrangement. Our results indicate net increase 11% between 2009. concern all covers at expense pastures grasses, enlargement riparian vegetation, expansion artificial areas. observed forests was accompanied by decrease fragmentation levels likely due reduction small glades break homogeneity recolonization herbaceous Overall, we observe an towards more stable configuration depicting satisfactory picture vegetation health.