LANDSCAPE METRIC ANALYSIS OF THE ÁGUA PRETA DO MOCAMBO RIVER BASIN (URUÇUCA/BAHIA)

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of the landscape fragmentation in the Água Preta do Mocambo river basin, situated in the city of Uruçuca (southern Bahia). First, we mapped the forest patches with minimum area of 3ha. In order to analyze these patches, we also established five landscape metrics: size, shape, edge effect, isolation and connectivity. Ninety-nine patches were mapped inside the study area and the outcomes showed that 58 of them have area between 3 and 10ha, 31 area between 10 and 30ha, 4 area between 30 and 50ha, and only 6 area above 50ha. Regarding shape, we concluded that only 3 patches have a circular shape; therefore, the others are prone to edge effects. In spite of being small, the patches are close to each other. Regarding isolation and after simulating connectivity with a expanded edge, we then concluded that, from a distance of 100m, 66 of the patches might already be connected. Finally, the sum of the accordingly connected patches would be a valuable area, not only for maintaining the basin water quality but also for conserving typical species of the Atlantic Forest in Brazil.