Spatio-temporal analysis of land use and land cover change (2011–2024) in the Huaytapallana Regional Conservation Area, Peruvian Andes

Land use and land cover (LULC) changes within protected areas can threaten ecosystem integrity despite formal conservation status. This study analyzes spatiotemporal LULC dynamics in the Huaytapallana Regional Conservation Area (HRCA) in the Peruvian Andes between 2011 and 2024. Using data from MapBiomas and multitemporal geospatial analysis, we quantified changes in major land cover classes within the conservation area. The results reveal substantial losses of forest (−508.68 ha), grassland (−4,975.02 ha), and glaciers (−6,682.5 ha), accompanied by significant increases in rocky outcrops (+11,719.89 ha) and shrubland (+6,329.34 ha). These trends indicate accelerated glacier retreat, landscape aridification, and increasing anthropogenic pressure within the HRCA. The observed transformations suggest ongoing ecological degradation that may compromise ecosystem functionality and conservation objectives. Our findings indicate that current governance and monitoring strategies are insufficient to maintain the long-term sustainability of this high-Andean protected area.