Ecuador has experienced a significant tree cover loss over the past two decades, with shifting agriculture being the predominant driver. An analysis of historical data reveals a consistent pattern of deforestation, with the highest recorded loss in 2017 at over 71,000 hectares. The country's net change in tree cover shows a decrease of approximately 1.50%, with a net loss of over 276,000 hectares, despite some gains. The latest incident in Cotopaxi, Ecuador, with a single fire alert, adds to the ongoing environmental challenges the country faces. While the impact of wildfires on tree cover loss has been minimal in comparison to other factors, the cumulative effect of these incidents poses a threat to Ecuador's rich biodiversity and ecological balance.
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