Evolution of Forest Cover in Andalusia (1956-2007). Processes and Drivers

Abstract

Over an half of the region of Andalusia (South of Spain) is covered by natural areas: forests, shrublands, grasslands or bare unproductive spaces (rocks, sands). In this paper, we studied the spatial distribution of forest cover in Andalusia by analysing the land cover maps of 1956 and 2007. We analysed the land cover changes, the nature of these changes (gains, losses and persistence), and the transferences between every pair of land-cover types. We selected a set of explanatory factors as a first approach to understanding the current spatial patterns of the forest cover in Andalusia. Our results showed that forest cover was kept in mountainous areas, being conditioned mainly by factors such as lithology, slope and proximity to urban areas. On the other hand, a huge increase in woodland areas was observed along the analysed period, chiefly as a result of reforestation programs and, in minor extent, because of natural forest regeneration.