Conectividade estrutural frente às atividades econômicas na mata atlântica: o caso do quadrilátero ferrífero (Minas Gerais)

Abstract

Habitat fragmentation due to increasing human activity in natural areas is a major threat to biodiversity conservation. Fragmented landscapes have subdivided the original matrix, causing the isolation of natural habitats. Connectivity can be expanded in anthropized landscapes by implementing ecological corridors, facilitating the maintenance of wild populations. This study aimed to propose a corridors network to provide a structural connection among Atlantic Forest fragments in the region of Ouro Preto, Mariana and Ouro Branco, in Minas Gerais, covering a mosaic of conservation units (UC). RapidEye images were classified, land uses were evaluated and connectivity among the largest fragments was demarcated. Two categories of corridors (main – 500 m wide and secondaries – 400 m wide) to increase connectivity among the larger fragments are proposed. Adopting an edge effect of 400 m, we found a total of 64 fragments with internal areas, which were reduced to 30 when the size of the edge effect was extended to 500 m. The internal areas resulting from the simulation were joined by the major ecological corridor, totaling 110 km. The secondary corridors 1, 2 and 3 had respectively 63 km, 40 km and 57 km. The region has a large network of forests and grasslands which comprise the Atlantic Forest, connected by several UC and Permanent Protected Area (APP), enabling planning ecological corridors, which favor the occurrence of the ecological processes. The management of the area should restrict anthropic activities in order to maximize the effectiveness of biodiversity protection, especially taking into account the presence of relevant Atlantic Forest fragments private properties.