Multi-temporal analysis of the cover change of the Serrano forest in central Argentina through remote sensing

The Serrano forest is the least extensive type of forest in the South American Gran Chaco with a long history of human disturbance that has altered the natural vegetation. This work aims to determine and quantify the changes in Serrano forest cover in the last 30 years based on supervised classifications in three periods (1989, 2004, 2019), with main attention to native forest cover. Supervised land cover classification was performed using Landsat 5 TM and Sentinel-2A images and a spectral indices set. This classification showed a correct differentiation of the evaluated classes, resulting in adequate maps to be used in future studies on the region. Throughout the study period, substantial changes in land use and land cover were found, estimating a 22% loss of native forest in the last 30 years. The main drivers responsible to land cover changes were urbanization, expansion of exotic trees and forest fires.