Spatial structure of “Morraria da Praia Vermelha” landscape (SC): contribution to landscape ecology

Abstract

This analysis focused on spatial structure of landscape as functional pattern to biodiversity, as a component of landscape ecology. This research focuses on Morraria da Praia Vermelha (Penha, SC) area using Fragstats Spatial Pattern Analysis (ArcView) program. It noticed that the landscape is represented by 174 patches crossed by corridors constituted by rivers, roads, tracks, and cliffs, and a matrix, constituted by a forest patch. Climax arboreal species are rare or very rare, as result of selective removing, decreasing number of dispersive birds, soil conditions and topographic inclination, as weel as distance among forest patches. The situation of the area is still more adverse due to inexistence of conectivity with other fragments. Actions of public policy, as restauration, fiscalization and education programs, must be applied, otherwise still surrendering biodiversity in the area tends to disapear.