Spatial patterns of forest fragmentation in the Flona Ibura – Sergipe

This study aims to examine the spatial patterns of forest fragmentation on National Forest Ibura and its surroundings, the light from landscape metrics: Size of the Fragment, Core Area, Shape and Isolation. The study was conducted through literature review, field research, development mosaic and metrics in software ArcGis and tool Patch Analyst, respectively. The FLONA is a fragment of Atlantic Forest with potential phytogeographical, represented by patches of dense rain forest and mangroves, which protects the aquifer Sapucari used for local consumption. This potential is threatened against the economic potential in the vicinity. Core Area indicated that 52.35% of the area is less prone to edge effects. The average Shape Index (1.45) indicated spots with irregular shapes, less recommended for retention, and the Perimeter-Area Ratio (0.425) showed a smaller area ratio of internal to the edges due to the Core Area. The Proximity Index (0 to 1.552m) showed high levels of insulation, can result in the extinction of the smaller fragments. The Fragmentation can evolve if they are not implemented proposals for connectivity. The Metrics can support proposals for future corridors of Atlantic and/or other connectivity strategies, identifying fragments priority for conservation.

Conservation Unit; Phytogeographical potential; Forest fragments; Landscape metrics