Analysis of Landscape Metrics in Protected Areas of Extremadura: A Spatio-Temporal Evaluation of Landscape Structure Using Geographic Information Systems and Corine Land Cover

This study evaluates the structural dynamics of the landscape within the Sierra de San Pedro and Embalse de Cornalvo Special Areas of Conservation between 2006 and 2018 to determine the effect of land-use spatial configuration on ecosystem stability. Methodologically, Corine Land Cover cartography was geoprocessed in QuantumGIS utilising the LecoS plugin to calculate five landscape metrics. The results reveal marked stability within the agroforestry matrix of both protected areas, demonstrating the effectiveness of their conservation status against drastic land-use changes. Nonetheless, contrasting internal trajectories were identified: the Sierra de San Pedro experienced a process of silent reforestation and the unification of natural habitats (characterised by a reduction in patch numbers and an increase in mean patch size), whereas the Cornalvo landscape exhibited strong structural homogeneity dominated by human activity. It is concluded that while the Sierra de San Pedro is evolving towards forest maturation and robust internal connectivity, Cornalvo maintains a structural inertia of absolute stability. These findings demonstrate the importance of incorporating spatial metrics into environmental management to strengthen ecosystem resilience to change.