Spatiotemporal Analysis of Wetland Conversion and Water Body Decline in the Brazilian Pantanal

Abstract. Anthropogenic changes, such as deforestation and agricultural expansion, are altering Earth's ecosystems, particularly in vulnerable regions like the Brazilian Pantanal. Recognized as a biodiversity hotspot and a wetland of international importance, the Pantanal faces critical environmental pressures. In this context, this research analyses spatiotemporal land use dynamics using geospatial technologies in the Brazilian Pantanal. The Land Cover Indicator was employed, representing physical phenomena associated with land use characteristics. Our land use and land cover data were sourced from MapBiomas, utilizing a two-year dataset (2004-2022) to conduct a spatiotemporal analysis of land use dynamics. The results revealed a combined 18.76% decrease in wetlands and water bodies between 2004 and 2022, primarily concentrated in the central and southern regions of the study area. This dynamic coincides with a significant transition from forest formations to pastures. Consequently, the Land Cover Indicator, a metric for anthropogenic pressure, increased by an average of 2.22% across the region. Understanding these spatiotemporal relationships is therefore crucial for developing effective conservation strategies and maintaining sustainable management of this globally important wetland.