Abstract
Ecosystem conservation of protected areas included in urban landscapes is a challenge for efficient management. Knowledge of these ecosystems and their spatial distribution is essential to guide conservation and restoration planning. We analyzed vegetation units and landscape metrics, as well as the structure and floristic composition of slope and lowland forests in Sumaúma State Park, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. Thirty plots (20 ? 20 m) were sampled, and the height and diameter of all individuals with dbh > 5 cm were measured and the species identified. A record of 196 species belonging to 134 genera and 58 families was made, reflecting high diversity, although mainly for secondary vegetation. We identified exotic plants and six endangered species. Landscape metrics were calculated for the five landscapes units within the Park: slope forest, lowland forest, manmade grassland, bare soil and buildings. Shape and fractal dimension landscape indices for the two forest classes showed a tendency toward non-circular shape, which indicates the need to mitigate edge effects. Ongoing studies are needed to conserve areas of forest fragments in order to maintain their ecological and social functions and the recovery of degraded areas as close as possible to less impacted forest habitats.
Key words:
Amazon; forest fragment; landscape metrics; GIS