Heterogeneous spatial distribution of traditional livestock settlements and their effects on vegetation cover in arid groundwater coupled ecosystems in the Monte Desert (Argentina)

► High settlement densities were related to high water availability landscape features. ► SATVI detects vegetation changes around settlements undetected by SAVI and NDVI. ► Increasing settlement densities are correlated with decreasing vegetation covers. ► Most of the area has low settlement densities and high vegetation covers (>50%). ► Increasing water access may encourage more settlements, increasing degradation risks.