Land use and deforestation in northeast Mexico (1985–2020): A multi-temporal analysis in the Tamaulipas Biotic Province

Resumen

Remote sensing time-series analysis can allow planning and policy development to ensure the conservation, restoration,
and the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. We analyzed land use change and deforestation over 35
years (1985-2020) in the Tamaulipas Biotic Province of Mexico by using multi-spectral satellite imagery. In addition,
the annual rate of forest change was calculated for each land cover type. Between 1985 and 2020, the Tamaulipas
Biotic Province lost 391 772 ha of natural vegetation and experienced the highest annual rate of forest change in
the Tamaulipas Biotic Province in grassland and deciduous forest, with -3.1% and -2.9% annually, respectively.
Xerophytic scrub is the principal natural vegetation in the Tamaulipas Biotic Province, occupying approximately
2 000 000 ha (21%), dominated by Tamaulipan thornscrub (51.1%) and submontane scrubland (32.6%). In conclusion,
according to our results, the Tamaulipas Biotic Province has suffered a continuous process of deforestation
that has led to the loss of more than 14.5% of native vegetation in the last 35 years. Xerophytic scrub is the natural
cover that has lost the greatest area, but due to their higher representation, grasslands and deciduous forest have
shown the highest deforestation rate. These results could be used to promote the sustainable use and conservation
of natural resources.