Land use dynamics and landscape history in La Montaña, Campeche, Mexico

Current status and trends of deforestation are assessed for the region of La Montaña, Campeche, Mexico, a buffer zone for the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, by interpreting remotely sensed satellite image data. A change detection analysis of three satellite images was used to assess forest clearing for agriculture from two time periods (1988–2000 and 2000–2005). Buffers from specific variables (distance to roads, distance to settlements and proximity to lowland flooded forest) were used to assess deforestation patterns and identify potential variables that determine land use change. Results show annual deforestation rates increase from 0.3% between 1988 and 2000 to 0.7% between 2000 and 2005, which indicate that forest conversion is intensifying. Deforestation appears to be prominent near lowland flooded forests on soil types identified by local people as suitable for agriculture, particularly for pasture establishment. Recent occurrence of deforestation in the area is strongly associated with soil/vegetation characteristics, infrastructure development and settlement locations while the proximate causes are related to agricultural expansion. Although the economy in the region is still greatly dependent on traditional forest management, in the last decade cattle ranching has been institutionally promoted and is an economic alternative that has been increasing in importance.