Analysis of changes in native vegetation of the APA Lago de Palmas

Abstract

This study aimed to understand the dynamics of Cerrado and Seasonal Forest vegetation, from 2000 to 2017, in ‘Lago de Palmas’ Environmental Preservation Area (APA). To do so, images from the Landsat satellite and the Spring 5.5.3 free software were used. Two thematic maps of the study area were made to estimate, through comparative analysis, the process of native vegetation replacement. The Maxver and Isoseg methods were used for the following land cover classes: Native Vegetation – Dense Forest and Native Vegetation – Campo, exposed soil and watercourse. For the correction and validation, historical images from Google Earth Pro were used. The results indicate there was a loss of 38.56% of native vegetation, the urban center expanded at a ratio of 14 times, and about 10,760.13 ha were flooded by the reservoir of Lajeado plant, resulting in loss of land, trees, and biodiversity. It is inferred that APA does not fulfill the role established by the environmental legislation, because its occupation occurs in a disorderly way, there is no management plan, and the mappings show a systematic replacement of native vegetation by water mass, agricultural areas, and urbanization.