Análise temporal da fragmentação florestal da Caatinga em Sergipe

Abstract

The native vegetation of the Caatinga in the semi-arid region of Sergipe has been undergoing intense processes of deforestation and degradation, driven by anthropogenic activities. In this context, the aim of this study was to analyze, over the last decade (2011 to 2023), the patterns of forest fragmentation in the biome, using land cover data provided by the MapBiomas project. For the fragmentation analysis, landscape metrics were calculated using the LecoS plugin, integrated into the open-source software QGIS. The metrics considered were: number of fragments (Nf), total area (A), and the median area of fragments. The analysis indicated significant changes in the structure of the Sergipe Caatinga during the study period. There was a reduction in pasture areas (from 76.35% to 71.72%) and an increase in savanna and forest formations, as well as a substantial rise in the number of fragments, especially in the savanna and multiple-use classes. Temporary crops and urban areas also showed growth, highlighting the intensification of short-cycle agriculture and urban expansion. The median fragment areas revealed a growth trend across all classes, indicating changes in the spatial pattern of land use. In summary, the results suggest a transitional scenario, marked by signs of regeneration of native vegetation, but also by the intensification of agricultural and urban activities, leading to increasing landscape fragmentation and reduced ecological connectivity.