RT Journal Article
T1 Analysis and Quantification of the Distribution of Marabou (Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn.) in Valle de los Ingenios, Cuba: A Remote Sensing Approach
A1 Moreno Cuesta, Eduardo
A1 González Algarra, Encarnación
A1 Álvarez, Reinaldo
A1 Menéndez Calle, Julio
AB Cuba is struggling with a growing environmental problem: the uncontrolled spread of theallochthonous weed species marabou (Dichrostachys cinerea) throughout the country. Over the last70 years, marabou has become a formidable invasive species that poses a threat to Cuban biodiversityand agricultural productivity. In this paper, we present a free and affordable method for regularlymapping the spatial distribution of the marabou based on the Google Earth Engine platform andecological surveys. To test its accuracy, we develop an 18-year remote sensing analysis (2000–2018)of marabou dynamics using the Valle de los Ingenios, a Cuban UNESCO World Heritage Site, asan experimental model. Our spatial analysis reveals clear patterns of marabou distribution andhighlights areas of concentrated growth. Temporal trends illustrate the aggressive nature of thespecies, identifying periods of expansion and decline. In addition, our system is able to detect specific,large-scale human interventions against the marabou plague in the area. The results highlight theurgent need for remedial strategies to maintain the fragile ecological balance in the region.
PB MDPI
SN 2072-4292 (electrónico)
YR 2024
FD 2024-02
LK https://hdl.handle.net/10272/23408
UL https://hdl.handle.net/10272/23408
LA eng
NO Moreno, E., Gonzalez, E., Alvarez, R., & Menendez, J. (2024). Analysis and Quantification of the Distribution of Marabou (Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn.) in Valle de los Ingenios, Cuba: A Remote Sensing Approach. In Remote Sensing (Vol. 16, Issue 5, p. 752). MDPI AG. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16050752
NO This study was funded by the Andalusian Agency for International Development and Cooperation (AACID) [grant number 2017DEC013].
DS Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Huelva
RD 31 may 2026