Fragmentation patterns of evergreen oak woodlands in Southwestern Iberia: Identifying key spatial indicators

摘要: Abstract Mediterranean evergreen oak woodlands (composed of Quercus suber L. and rotundifolia Lam.) are becoming increasingly fragmented in the human-modified landscapes Southwestern Portugal Spain. Previous studies have largely neglected to assess spatial changes relation their surrounding landscape matrix, characterize quantify woodland boundaries edges. The present study aims fill this gap by analyzing fragmentation patterns over a 50-year period (1958–2007) three landscapes. Using archived aerial imagery from 1958, 1995 2007, for two consecutive periods (1958–1995 1995–2007), we calculated set metrics compare time. Our results indicated continuous characterized edge dynamics. From 1958 replacement open farmland shrubland new afforestation areas led highest values contrast length trends 5.0 12.3, respectively. Linear discriminant analysis was performed delineate structures identify metric variables that configuration. with showed strong correlation F1 (correlations ranging between 0.55 0.98) may be used as proxy mixedness matrix. dynamics result different recruitment therefore, its helpful highlighting future baselines sustainable management woodlands.