Deforestation is one of the processes that most impact the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. In Mexico and Guatemala, deforestation continues to increase at alarming rates, but there are still areas where vegetation is little disturbed. The Usumacinta river basin provides a clear example of such condition. This basin is the largest shared between Mexico and Guatemala and holds one of the continent’s best-preserved tropical rainforest massifs. Throughout history various Protected Areas (PA) have been designated in this basin. However, anthropogenic activities put its natural heritage at risk.The purpose of this research was to analyze the current status and process of loss of forest cover within and outside the PA present in the region. It is important to note that this type of study has been conducted before in some regions of the basin, although using different methods. However, this study is the first to cover all the PA that are under the jurisdiction of Mexico and Guatemala, and to analyze deforestation within and outside PA on an annual basis in a recent period (2000–2016). This information should allow us to identify issues and make proposals to strengthen the PA network in the Usumacinta river basin.
Results/Conclusions
In 2000, 74.6 % of the basin’s area was covered by some type of tree-dominated plant community. Over the following 16 years, this area was reduced by 19.5 %. Forest loss followed a heterogeneous pattern, reflecting policy differences between countries. While in Mexico, 4.9 % and 15.5 % of the forest cover was lost within and outside a PA, respectively, in Guatemala the corresponding percentages (28.1 % and 21.2 %, respectively) indicate a critical situation, regardless of whether or not PA were present. Marked differences could also be identified between types of administration and categories of PA. This study also allowed the years of maximum deforestation to be detected. Based on the results, 10 proposals are presented that could help to strengthen actions for the conservation within and around the PA in the Usumacinta river basin.