Analysis of the landscape fragmentation through the proposition of forest restoration scenarios in a microbasin in Amazonia, Mato Grosso

Abstract

The State of Mato Grosso presents a high degree of deforestation due to the historical process of occupation of the territory. Deforestation and fragmentation of habitats in tropical regions results in an agromosaic composed of forest remnants in an anthropized matrix, being essential restoration actions in order to reestablish the connectivity between fragments in the landscape. The objective of this work was to evaluate changes in the landscape spatial structure of a watershed in the municipality of Carlinda (MT). We established seven scenarios associated with the presence of agroforestry systems (SAF) and forest restoration of Permanent Preservation Areas (APP) and surrounding water reservoirs, quantifying land uses and coverage and employing landscape metrics for the quantitative assessment of the scenarios. The restoration of APP and reservoirs resulted in the creation of corridors and increase of connectance between riparian fragments, while the SAF behaved as stepping stones in the landscape, contributing to the reduction of isolation and increase the proximity between fragments in the agricultural matrix. By jointly assessing the employed metrics, the scenario that reconciles SAF and riparian restoration beyond that required by current environmental legislation showed the greatest potential for increasing structural connectivity in the landscape.