Abstract
ContextSelective logging has been commonly mapped using binary maps, representing logged and unlogged forests. However, binary maps may fall short regarding the optimum representation of this type of disturbance, as tree harvest in tropical forests can be highly heterogeneous.ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to map forest disturbance intensities in areas of selective logging located in the Brazilian Amazon.MethodsSelective logging activities were mapped in ten forest management units using Sentinel-2 data at 10 m resolution. A spatial pattern analysis was applied to the logging map, using a moving window approach with different window sizes. Two landscape metrics were used to derive a forest disturbance intensity map. This map was then compared with actual disturbances using field data and a post-harvest forest recovery analysis.ResultsDisturbed areas were grouped into five distinct disturbance intensity classes, from very low to very high. Classes high and very high were found to be related to log landings and large felling gaps, while very low intensities were mainly related to isolated disturbance types. The post-harvest forest recovery analysis showed that the five classes can be clearly distinguished from one another, with the clearest differences in the year of logging and one year after it.ConclusionsThe approach described represents an important step towards a better mapping of selectively logged areas, when compared to the use of binary maps. The disturbance intensity classes could be used as indicators for forest monitoring as well as for further evaluation of areas under forest management.
Highlights
Selective logging is a major anthropogenic activity and a key component of the forest degradation process in the tropics
We addressed the following research questions: (i) How do the values of composition and configuration change over multiple observation scales? (ii) What would be the observation scale that could best distinguish between different types of disturbances associated with selective logging? (iii) Is it possible to associate forest disturbance intensity classes, derived from spatial pattern analysis, with actual disturbances caused by selective logging? (iv) How different is the post-harvest recovery process among distinct classes of forest disturbance intensity?
The same pattern is observed for the forest management units (FMU) in the analysis of the final disturbance map derived from the cluster analysis
Summary
Selective logging is a major anthropogenic activity and a key component of the forest degradation process in the tropics. In the Brazilian Amazon, selective logging activities have been reported on areas as large as those reported as deforested (Asner et al 2005). The impacts of selective logging have been documented for a wide variety of biotic and abiotic indicators (Meijaard et al 2005; Olander et al 2005; Asner et al 2009; Burivalova et al 2014; Darrigo et al 2016; de Carvalho et al 2017; Stas et al 2020). Taking into account that selective logging is the main harvest technique employed in natural tropical forests (Poudyal et al 2018), efforts to ensure its sustainability are of great interest
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