Analysis of the tree cover, fragments and connections in São Domingos district (São Paulo, Brazil)

Abstract

The disorderly growth of urban areas, due to speculation and lack of planning that takes into account the dynamics of ecosystems, is one of the biggest factors that lead to fragmentation of natural habitats. In regard to the connectivity of the environment, an important factor for improving local environmental quality by promoting the increased resilience of the urban ecosystem, this study aimed to map out a diagnosis of the use and occupation of land, with an emphasis on vegetation, as well as possibilities connection between forest fragments, especially the City of Toronto and São Domingos Parks, in São Domingos District, SP. The method used in this research was based on photointerpretation, from satellite images of 2007, where we founded existing and potential areas for a network connection between the large vegetated areas in the urban fabric in our study area. We conclude that, the connection between the existing fragments will allow the construction of a large network favoring considerable increase biodiversity. Furthermore, the methodology used here can be adopted in projects aimed at tracing strategies for interconnection of vegetation in another urban areas.