Conectividad ecológica como estrategia para la conservación en paisajes agropecuarios en el municipio de San Carlos de Guaroa, Meta

Abstract

San Carlos de Guaroa is characterized by an agricultural-based economy, with more than 50% of its territory devoted to oil palm cultivation, rice, and livestock, positioning it as one of the main producers in the country. However, these production systems have played a significant role in transforming the landscape since the 20th century, leading to a substantial reduction in natural cover. Therefore, this study aims to propose ecological connectivity mechanisms as a conservation strategy in agricultural landscapes. To this end, a mixed methodology was developed, integrating geographic information systems and participatory analysis. As a result, oil palm coverage increased thirteenfold, rising from 2.5% to 34.6% between 1985 and 2025, while gallery forests and tall dense upland forests recorded a 14.1% loss. Landscape analyses revealed an increase in fragmentation, with connectivity reduced by 1.88% and low-intervention categories decreasing by 49%. Additionally, low heterogeneity was observed, with impacts concentrated in the northeast, central-southern, and southeastern areas of the municipality. According to local stakeholders, these changes are mainly linked to the agricultural economy, which occupies over 70% of the territory. A total of 1,462 patches were identified, of which 21 were selected as core areas, representing 57% of the forest cover. Optimal routes were determined considering biotic, abiotic, and anthropic variables, aligned with territorial planning guidelines, resulting in the identification of 19 ecological corridors. These corridors display a pattern toward the northeastern sector, an area of high ecological suitability, distributed along water bodies, making their implementation feasible through the restoration of riparian buffers. Finally, two types of mechanisms were proposed. The first focuses on strengthening the ecological structure of the landscape through active and passive restoration with native species, live fences, agroforestry systems, and wildlife crossings. The second relates to promoting sustainable practices in agricultural systems and environmental awareness. This study provides technical and cartographic inputs that facilitate the integration of ecological connectivity into municipal planning and guide conservation efforts toward more efficient territorial management.