Analysis of changes in landscape structural connectivity (1975-2008) of Cuitzeo Lake basin, Michoacan, Mexico

The Cuitzeo Lake Basin is covered with forests and scrublands with high ecological importance, which have experienced fragmentation resulting from human activities. In this study we analyzed changes in the structural connectivity of the Cuitzeo Lake basin, Michoacan, between 1975 and 2008. We used land cover databases for the years 1975, 1996, 2000, 2003 and 2008. For each year, landscape composition metrics were applied, such as isolation and structural connectivity metrics at the landscape and class levels. Finally we performed a comparative analysis. The forest cover presented low structural connectivity values in contrast to the human activity related land covers, which dominated the landscape over time. The information on changes in landscape structural connectivity and fragmentation from this study provide a useful tool for landscape management and biodiversity conservation.