LAND COVER AND CONSERVATION STATE OF A REGION IN THE SOUTHERN LIMIT OF THE ATLANTIC FOREST (RIVER MAQUINÉ BASIN, RIO GRANDE DO SUL, BRAZIL)

摘要: The state of conservation Atlantic Forest in the Maquine river basin was assessed using land cover data obtained from Landsat TM 5 satellite imagery (October 1995). initial analysis examined distribution relative areas each land-cover type according to landscape slope classes, potential vegetation zones, and a 90 m riparian buffer. Land-cover classes were then regrouped into categories representing "low", "intermediate", "high" degree anthropogenic alteration. Results indicate that about 70% has been highly altered as consequence replacement natural forests by agriculture. Presently, recovery process seems be underway, contrasting with historical trend towards deforestation. There are large secondary intermediate (34.8%) advanced successional stages (20.2%), particularly across range montane forest formations occur at elevations higher than 800 (high-montane dense ombrophilous mixed forest). geographical location southern limit stricto sensu comparison results on Rio Grande do Sul is an important area for conservation. Some points regarding future research management also discussed.