Forest cover analysis of a highly fragmented basin in northern Espírito Santo State, Brazil

Abstract

This study aimed to determine and analyze landscape ecology metrics to characterize the spatial pattern of fragments of native forest in São Mateus River basin, Espírito Santo State, Southeastern Brazil. Fragments were divided into four size classes called C1 (<5 ha), C2 (5-25 ha), C3 (25.10-50 ha) and C4 (>50 ha). Metrics were grouped according to their nature in (i) area and density, (ii) edge, (iii) shape, (iv) central area and (v) proximity. In total, 4,286 native forest fragments were identified, which represented 7.80% of total area of the basin. There is a predominance of fragments with more regular shapes, small (<25.10 ha) and, consequently, with greater edge effect. Results showed that the drainage basin studied is highly fragmented, which reinforces the need for strategies aimed at forest conservation and restoration of degraded forests in this region.