Assessing Habitat Quality: Landscape Analysis Approach in Brazil Environmental Protection Area Utilizing Invest Habitat Quality Model and Local Stakeholders’ Perception

Abstract

Landscape assessment models are crucial for understanding the impact of land use transformation on ecological flows and processes. Incorporating stakeholder perceptions into these models enhances their effectiveness. This study aimed to promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, focusing on the São Francisco Xavier Environmental Protection Area in Sao Paulo, Brazil. It sought a deeper understanding of the relationship between habitat quality and ecosystem conservation through landscape analysis, providing insights for decision-making based on natural resource conservation and sustainability. The InVEST software's Habitat Quality module was used to conduct landscape analysis with input from local stakeholders regarding various degradation vectors impacting EPA habitats including urban infrastructure, vacation homes, roads, agricultural/pasture mosaics, exotic species, and deforestation. The results showed an average index of 0.66 for EPA-SFX on a scale ranging from 0 (lowest quality) to 1 (highest quality). Higher values were found in regions with extensive continuous massifs of native vegetation while lower values were observed in previously deforested areas with significant presence of pasture and urban infrastructure. Statistical spatial correlation revealed an indirect correlation between habitat quality versus threats; higher threat values corresponded to lower habitat quality especially for deforestation, pasture, and planted forests. The findings provide valuable insights for public management aiming at reducing ecosystem fragmentation and restoring ecological corridors within the limits of the conservation unit which can be applied to other sites of ecological importance.

Keywords: biodiversity conservation, InVEST, Spatial modeling, Landscape planning, Participatory modeling