Using landscape ecology to evaluate an alternative management scenario in abandoned Mediterranean mountain areas

Abstract

The main characteristic of landscape evolution in the Pyrenees during the 20th century is the increased presence of shrubs in old fields. Revegetation is mainly recorded on medium and low slopes because of land abandonment. The increase in shrubs causes the loss of grazing resources during winter, landscape homogenization and an increase in fire risk. The objective of this paper was to create a scenario for land use change by combining Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Landscape Ecology Analysis (LEA). To improve the present seasonal imbalance in pastoral resources, the scenario proposes to convert shrubland areas to grasslands without an excessive increase in soil erosion or landscape fragmentation. The results obtained indicate that the strategy produces greater landscape diversity and an increase in annual pasture resources (16.7%), which exceeds 60% of total in winter. The effects of landscape fragmentation on biodiversity, fire risk control and the imbalance of pastures are discussed. The scenario would improve extensive livestock farming, which is the most important economic activity in this area and other Mediterranean mountains.

Los efectos geoecológicos del cambio global en el Pirineo Central español: una revisión a distintas escalas espaciales y temporales

“…La única forma de alcanzar esos objetivos de manera conjunta es mediante la transformación de matorrales densos en prados de diente, que faciliten el pastoreo directo y contribuyan a ampliar el espacio ganadero. Esa transformación será posible en antiguos campos de cultivo localizados en los mejores sitios topográficos (pies de vertiente, concavidades, rellanos colgados) (Lasanta et al, 2006b). Esto requiere un trabajo de detalle (o de grano fino) para identificar las áreas más favorables, sin riesgo de que se desencadenen otros problemas no deseables.…”

An attempt to estimate tolerable soil erosion rates by matching soil formation with denudation in Alpine grasslands

“…In addition to changes connected to global climate change, European mountain systems have been experiencing a substantial change in land-use management during the last decades (Lasanta et al 2006;Gellrich and Zimmermann 2007;Schneeberger et al 2007). Since the late 19th century the abandonment of agricultural sites, especially in high alpine and remote areas is a well-known phenomenon (Swiss Federal Statistical Office 2001;Descroix and Mathys 2003;Piégay et al 2004;Lasanta et al 2006;Tasser et al 2007).…”

“…Since the late 19th century the abandonment of agricultural sites, especially in high alpine and remote areas is a well-known phenomenon (Swiss Federal Statistical Office 2001;Descroix and Mathys 2003;Piégay et al 2004;Lasanta et al 2006;Tasser et al 2007). Simultaneously, the remaining farmland in lower areas having good accessibility has been utilised with increased intensity .…”

Livestock systems and farming styles in Eastern Italian Alps: an on-farm survey

“…This process has been particularly dramatic for the traditional extensive livestock farms of the Alpine region (Caraveli, 2000;MacDonald et al, 2000;Bonsembiante and Cozzi, 2005;Lasanta et al, 2006). It is generally accepted that extensive farming practices increase environmental quality and biodiversity of agro-ecosystems as compared to intensive practices (Hoogeveen et al, 2002).…”