Habitat dynamics in subtropical South America: Socioeconomic determinants and landscape patterns at a forest-grassland ecotone

Authors

  • Daniele Uarte de Matos Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia: diversidade e manejo da vida silvestre, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos, Av. UNISINOS 950, C.P. 275, São Leopoldo 93022-000, RS
  • Alexandre F. Souza Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN)
  • Rafael G. Moura Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia: diversidade e manejo da vida silvestre, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos, Av. UNISINOS 950, C.P. 275, São Leopoldo 93022-000, RS
  • Luciane O. Crossetti Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Instituto de Biociências, Departamento de Ecologia. Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500. Porto Alegre 91549-000, RS

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4013/nbc.2016.111.01

Abstract

We investigated landscape structure and spatial patterns of natural grasslands and Atlantic Forests in southern Brazil in 1984, 1994, and 2005. The studied region is a highland grassland disjunct region (campos de cima da serra) surrounded by forests. We asked: (a) was there an intensification of habitat loss, fragmentation, and isolation of the Atlantic forest or grassland, within the highland ecotonalzone? (b) What was the degree of connectivity/isolation of the patches? (c) Was there any pattern of grassland loss related to moisture/microtopography? (d) Did agroeconomic activities influence landscape patterns and land use change? We analyzed Landsat remotely sensed information to characterize the land use and land cover, also considering subdivision into eight agroeconomic regions. Results showed that the area occupied by agriculture suffered a strong expansion along with exotic tree plantations, at the expense of grasslands, which suffered marked loss and fragmentation. Grassland destruction was biased towards humid areas in valleys between relief undulations. Forests expanded as a network of small patches in close contact with other land uses. Land cover differed significantly among agroeconomic regions, suggesting that conservation measures need to contemplate both forest and grassland ecosystems and socioeconomic distinctions as well.

Keywords: Araucaria forest, fragmentation, Pampa.

Author Biography

Alexandre F. Souza, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN)

Departamento de Ecologia, Professor Adjunto III

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Published

2015-11-17

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 1 (2016): January/April

Section

Articles

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