Methodology for planning fragmented landscapes aiming the creation of Ecological Corridors.

The purpose of this study is to develop a planning methodology which makes analyses of the structure of a certain landscape possible, as well as its biotic and abiotic characteristics in order to elaborate an adequate land use planning. Moreover, the guidelines of this study were maintenance of hydric stability and increasing of connectivity in the watershed by identification of regions with great environmental fragility, considering hydrography, geomorphology, pedology, and remaining forest patches. In field survey, satellite image and aerial photographs were used. The watershed studied has 4,629.47 ha and is located near Iguaçu National Park on the third Paraná plateau. Several biotic and abiotic aspects were distinguished in order to simulate an adequate land use and to establish a biodiversity corridor. This method was validated by simulating conservation and recovery zones, which cover 34.4% of watershed area. Such zones represent low potential regarding crops and cattle raising due to their fragile soil. Results showed the applicability of the methodology used, reflecting environmental gains, providing the increasing of connectivity among remaining forest patches.Objetivou-se com este estudo definir uma metodologia de planejamento que possibilite a análise da estrutura de determinada paisagem e de suas características bióticas e abióticas, para a elaboração de um zoneamento adequado do uso do solo. As principais diretrizes do estudo foram a manutenção da estabilidade hídrica e o aumento da conectividade na microbacia, por meio da identificação de zonas de maior fragilidade ambiental, considerando a hidrografia, a geomorfologia, a pedologia e a distribuição dos fragmentos florestais remanescentes. A pesquisa de campo foi realizada com auxílio de imagens de satélite e fotografias aéreas em uma microbacia com 4.629,47 ha no entorno do Parque Nacional do Iguaçu, Terceiro Planalto Paranaense. Foram efetuados diferentes diagnósticos dos aspectos bióticos e abióticos, resultando em uma simulação do uso adequado do solo e no aumento da conectividade com a formação de corredor ecológico. A aplicabilidade do método foi demonstrada com a simulação de zonas para conservação e recuperação, que representaram 34,4% da área da microbacia nas zonas de menor potencial de utilização agropecuária, em função da fragilidade de seus solos. Os resultados demonstraram que ganhos ambientais significativos podem ser obtidos com a aplicação da metodologia, proporcionando o aumento da conectividade entre os fragmentos remanescentes. Palavras-chave: Fragmentação; ecologia de paisagens; conservação da biodiversidade. Abstract Methodology for planning fragmented landscapes aiming the creation of Ecological Corridors. The purpose of this study is to develop a planning methodology which makes analyses of the structure of a certain landscape possible, as well as its biotic and abiotic characteristics in order to elaborate an adequate land use planning. Moreover, the guidelines of this study were maintenance of hydric stability and increasing of connectivity in the watershed by identification of regions with great environmental fragility, considering hydrography, geomorphology, pedology, and remaining forest patches. In field survey, satellite image and aerial photographs were used. The watershed studied has 4,629.47 ha and is located near Iguaçu National Park on the third Paraná plateau. Several biotic and abiotic aspects were distinguished in order to simulate an adequate land use and to establish a biodiversity corridor. This method was validated by simulating conservation and recovery zones, which cover 34.4% of watershed area. Such zones represent low potential regarding crops and cattle raising due to their fragile soil. Results showed the applicability of the methodology used, reflecting environmental gains, providing the increasing of connectivity among remaining forest patches. Keywords: Fragmentation; landscape ecology; biodiversity conservation.