Delimitação do microcorredor ecológico na parte sudeste da bacia hidrográfica do Córrego São Pedro, Juiz de Fora, MG

Abstract

The Atlantic Tropical Forest is one of the most threatened ecosystems worldwide, with high index of deforestation and consequently high losses in biodiversity. The formation of the so called ecological corridors, through connection of remaining fragments, is the adopted strategy in order to protect this ecosystem along with the conservation of endangered species of its fauna and flora. The “ Córrego de S. Pedro” basins, which is inserted into the area of urban expansion of Jiuz de Fora, is an important water source along with relevant scenery elements and fragments of Atlantic Forest which both have been through a lot of distress due to the city`s expansion. The present work tried to identify the possible connection among these fragments in the area so as to form the microcorridor of S. Pedro. The methodology consisted of a generation of a thematic hydrography map, usage and land occupation and topography as from IBGE cartographic base, articulations SF-23-X-D-IV-1, maps of Juiz de Fora, articulation SF-23-X-D-IV-3, maps of Matias Barbosa and Landsat 7 TM 2000 satellite images in addition to aerial photos of the region. Field trips had been taken to update and check the information from charts and maps; then later it was overlapped upon all the PPA`s (Permanent Proctection Areas) in accordance with Act 4771/65, the Brazilian Forest Code, aiming at the proposal for the formation of an ecological microcorridor. In order to select the forest fragments that could be connected, it has been chosen minimal area sizes of 5 hectares and forest formations at advanced stages of succession. Four fragments were then selected which added up 150 hectares. As a result of this environmental analysis, two alternative scenarios for the studied area have been proposed. The first portraits the proposal of connecting these fragments on a north-south direction basis, encompassing a total area of 555 hectares. This scenario will allow the flux of several fauna species, highlighting the existing small mammal community of the area. The second scenario maps all the aquatic PPA`s and moutain top PPA`s all of it in accordance with the Forest Code, adding up some 1120 hectares of preserved areas. This scenario is considered optimal for biodiversity conservation. The enlargement of the forest covered area will permit an adequate stabilization between urban and reserves, promoting ecological and social progress. This proposal of spatial modeling can be applied to other areas of the minicipality and to other Atlantic Forest domain areas and also can be adopted as government policy toward environmental management.