Assessment of urban wetlands loss and fragmentation using land use and land cover change and guidostoolbox: A study of Chorrillos district, Lima

The coastal landscape of the Chorrillos district is an ecosystem characterized by hosting the largest population of migratory and resident bird species in Lima, including the Protected Natural Area of the Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge (RVSPV). In response to wetland loss, this study aims to explore the process of natural landscape fragmentation in the Chorrillos district, including the RVSPV, from 1985 to 2021 to identify the impact of anthropogenic agents on structural connectivity. The methodology involves (i) an analysis of land cover and land use (LULC) using the MapBiomas Peru Collection 1.0 Platform, (ii) a patch accounting analysis, (iii) an analysis of Area Density in the Foreground (FAD), and (iv) an analysis of Morphological Spatial Patterns (MSPA) using the GuidosToolbox (Graphic User Interface for Image Object Description and Shapes-GTB) Version 3.304. The results indicate a hierarchy of disturbed patches, with the largest patch (RVSPV) displaying specific spatial processes that contribute to landscape transformation and persistence. The ecological function of the patches and habitat links demonstrate the benefits of connectivity and environmental exchange between fragments, aiming to counteract landscape loss.