Analysis of the vegetation fragments connectivity

Abstract

The habitat fragmentation is one of the most cited causes of species extinction and loss of biological diversity and it is defined as the process by a continuous area is reduced in size and divided into two or more fragments separated by an environment or matrix, different from the original. The analysis of landscape fragmentation is done through land use mapping, where it is possible to identify different spots and determine the degree of fragmentation or connectivity. This work aims to analyze the connectivity of the landscape fragments present in the Tietê-Jacaré Hydrographic Basin - SP, through the application of the metric indices of Connectivity and Fragmentation, with the purpose of evaluating the dynamic and temporal process in 2007 and 2017, through the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Considering the interval of 10 years, there was an expansion of agricultural activities with an increase of 24,507.53ha of cultivated areas and a vegetation loss of 32,149ha. It was also evidenced the decrease in the number of fragments, as well as the increase in the average size of the fragments, derived from the growth of the agricultural matrix with consequent reduction of the fragment’s diversification. The vegetation configuration of the region has undergone few structural changes, the main connections are related to the end of each sub-basin and consequently the hydrographic basin as a whole. The fragmentation indexes, when expressing the state of configuration of the landscapes, were presented as important tools in the diagnosis aimed at the conservation of ecosystems. These indices allowed the comparison not only of natural fragments but of all classes of land use and land cover, which is essential in regional planning.