Patterns in the distribution of vegetation in paramo areas: heterogeneity and spacial dependence

TL;DR

This study applies spatial data analysis methods to examine vegetation distribution patterns in Colombian paramo areas, revealing impacts of land use changes on habitat connectivity and informing conservation efforts.

Contribution

It introduces the application of ESDA methods to paramo vegetation patterns, highlighting land use impacts and aiding ecological restoration strategies.

Findings

Conservation status varies among localities.

Land use changes have reduced habitat connectivity.

Some areas maintain good ecological integrity.

Abstract

Two methods of exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA), analysis of spatial heterogeneity and dependence (auto-correlation), - - were applied to the cover patterns from ten paramo localities in the Central and Eastern cordilleras of Colombia. Among the localities studied, the high montane region of the Serrania de Perija, the paramo region of the Los Nevados National Park, and the paramo region under management of CORPOGUAVIO showed a good state of conservation and satisfactory level of connectivity among patches. Anthropic intervention, expansion of potato cultivation and other changes in land use mainly in the paramos of the Cordillera Oriental have alteredd the distribution patterns of natural vegetation types and resulted in significant losses of connectively. Under the circumstancesany attempt to restore the original conditions will be difficult and expensive. This problem is most acute in the paramo localities of La Rusia, Bel\'en, Guantiva (towards the eastern slopes) Telecom, Merchan Tablazo, the northeastern sector of the paramo of Sumapaz and the eastern slopes of the mountains of Carmen de Carupa and surrounding areas. For the mountains of Guanacaste and Las Delicias (areas influenced by the volcano Purac\'e) the problem is more acute towards the northwestern sector. The results of the present study can be applied to ecological restoration and conservation as they provide detailed information about the distribution of vegetation types andhabitatconnectivity, both indicators of ecosystem health.