Abstract

SILVA, Miriam Rodrigues da et al. Mulivariate factor analysis applied to the characterization of Babassu (Attalea speciosa Mart. ex Spreng) occurrence area in Cocal River basin. Soc. nat. [online]. 2012, vol.24, n.2, pp. 267-282. ISSN 1982-4513.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1982-45132012000200008.

This paper aims to evaluate the spatial distribution of the babassu palm in the Cocal River basin, Tocantins State. Data were obtained from field survey considering 80 plots, covering the different environments present in the study area. The research considered 16 variables about the babassu palm characteristics (number of individuals, number of babassu nut clusters, average stem height and maximum stem height) and environment features (elevation, slope, contributing area, topographic index, relief, distance from the river, distance from the homes, distance from the road, slope obtained in the field, soil, land use and vegetation). Data analysis was performed using techniques of geographic information system and multivariate analysis. The use of multiple factor analysis enabled to classify the environmental variables of greatest significance for the babassu occurrence. The main factor controlling the babassu distribution is the management adopted by farmers.

Keywords : babassu palm; multivariate factor analysis; environmental data; geographic information system.