MAPPING THE RISK OF FOREST FIRES IN THE RIO PRETO NATIONAL FOREST IN THE ATLANTIC FOREST

The Atlantic Forest biome is annually exposed to forest fires that damage thousands of hectares of forest, promote the formation of forest fragments, the destruction of biodiversity, soil compaction, runoff and silting of water bodies. Thus, the prediction and suppression of fire outbreaks are important to minimize the damage caused by fire. In this sense, this study aimed to analyze and model the risk of forest fires occurring in the Rio Preto National Forest and its buffer zone using the Fuzzy artificial intelligence technique. To do so, the land use and occupation, proximity to roads, slope and relief orientation variables were used to compose the model. Thus, the influence of each variable on burning episodes was determined with the aid of geographic information systems (GIS), as well as the spatial distribution of each of the risk classes (very low, low, moderate and high). a historical series of fires between the years 2010 and 2020 was used to perform a comparative analysis of the model. The results showed that the study area does not present worrisome risks regarding the occurrence of fires, since it is mostly covered by very low and low risk classes. Thus, it can be concluded that the application of Fuzzy modeling enables evaluating the spatial distribution of fire risk classes for the protected area areas, for which the proposed comparative analysis indicated the model’s effectiveness

FIREFIGHTING COMBAT WITH FIRE RETARDANTS AT DIFFERENT CONCENTRATIONS

Forest fires are responsible for the destruction of millions of hectares of forest worldwide, and they lead to diverse economic, social, and landscape damage. Thus, the development of techniques to combat them has become increasingly necessary. In this context, this study aims to evaluate the efficiency of different fire retardants at different concentrations in fighting forest fires, considering the burning times and intensities of forest fuel. The study was conducted inside Eucalyptus spp. stands using three fire retardants (Silv-Ex, F-500, and HoldFire) at three concentrations (1%, 1.5%, and 2%), in addition to a water-only control. A completely randomized design was used, and the statistical analysis was completed based on experimental arrangements (factorial 3x3). Variables evaluated during the burning process were as follows: burning times (the time required for the flames to consume all forest fuel within the sample, with and without the retardant) and intensity of burning. Results regarding the time and intensity of burning in relation to the concentrations indicated a decreasing trend as the latter were increased, classifying the highest dose (2%) as the most efficient. For the retardants, all were observed to be efficient, with Silv-Ex being the most appropriate as it significantly reduced the burning intensity and increased the burning time of the forest fuel

MECHANIZED WOOD HARVESTING APTITUDE ZONING

The need to increase forest enterprises productivity has demanded higher levels of mechanization. The objective of this study was to evaluate the suitability of areas in Espírito Santo State to implement mechanized wood harvesting using short log system. To prospect suitable areas for mechanization, algebra map of Eucalyptus edaphoclimatic zoning, land use and occupation, slope, conservation units and their respective buffer zones was performed. Thus, suitability zones were defined based on edaphoclimatic conditions for evaluated species, with temperatures between 19 and 26ºC, water deficit from 30 to 210 mm and annual average rainfall between 900 and 1800 mm defined as suitable. Land use and occupation was classified as fit, fit with type II limitation, fit with type III limitation and unfit. For slope classes, three categories were created: fit (0 - 27º), fit with limitation type I (27.1 - 35º) and unfit (> 35º). Results showed that State has 39.45% of its entire area able to implement mechanized wood harvesting for Eucalyptus and 47.91% is unfit. With results, authors concluded that Northeast micro-region stood out with large areas suitable for Eucalyptus harvest mechanization and employed methodology has potential for use and adaptation in other study areas around world

DOSES DE POTÁSSIO E LÂMINAS DE IRRIGAÇÃO NA QUALIDADE DE MUDAS DE EUCALIPTO

A produtividade florestal depende das potencialidades genéticas das matrizes, do ambiente proposto pelos substratos, frequência de irrigação, disponibilidade de luz, nutrição e das condições fitossanitárias. Assim, objetivou-se com o presente estudo analisar os efeitos da aplicação de potássio e de irrigação na qualidade de mudas de Eucalyptus urophylla. Para tal adotou-se o delineamento experimental em parcelas subdivididas definindo as 2 lâminas de irrigação (10 mm e 15 mm) como parcelas e os 5 níveis de potássio (0; 1,2; 2,4; 4,8; e 9,6 g L-1) como subparcelas, em 5 repetições compostas por 9 plantas. A comparação entre os métodos foi feita através teste de Tukey com 5% de probabilidade. Aos 120 dias, foram avaliadas: altura da parte aérea, diâmetro do colo, massa seca da parte aérea e da raiz. O tratamento testemunha apresentou as melhores médias em todos os parâmetros, sendo considerado o mais eficiente. A lâmina de irrigação de 15 mm foi considerada a mais eficiente. Portanto, conclui-se que qualquer que seja o incremento de potássio na produção de mudas, o mesmo deve se relacionar harmonicamente com a quantidade pré-existente no substrato base e com as exigências da cultura, de maneira que haja equilíbrio entre todas as partes. Palavras-chave: manejo hídrico; rustificação; substrato; casa de sombra.   IRRIGATION AND POTASSIUM LEVELS IN THE QUALITY OF EUCALYPTUS   ABSTRACT:  Forest productivity depends on the genetic potential of the matrices, the environment proposed by the substrates, frequency of irrigation, availability of light, nutrition and phytosanitary conditions. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the effects of potassium and irrigation on the quality of Eucalyptus urophylla seedlings. For this purpose, the experimental design was adopted in subdivided plots, defining the 2 layers of irrigation (10 mm and 15 mm) as plots and the 5 levels of potassium (0; 1.2; 2.4; 4.8; and 9.6 g L-1) as subplots, in 5 repetitions composed of 8 plants. The comparison between the methods was made using the Tukey test with a 5% probability. At 120 days, the following were evaluated: height of the aerial part, diameter of the neck, dry mass of the aerial part and the root. The control treatment showed the best averages in all parameters, being considered the most efficient. The 15 mm irrigation blade was considered the most efficient. Therefore, it is concluded that whatever the potassium increase in the production of seedlings, it must be harmoniously related to the pre-existing quantity in the base substrate and to the requirements of the culture, so that there is balance between all parts. Keywords: water management; rustification; substrate; shadow house

EFICIÊNCIA DE COMBATE AOS INCÊNDIOS FLORESTAIS EM UNIDADES DE CONSERVAÇÃO BRASILEIRAS

The precariousness of plans to combat forest fires (FI), makes fire the main threat to Conservation Units (UC). Fire Occurrence Records (ROIs) are strategies to increase efficiency in fighting fires. Thus, we aimed analyze the efficiency of fighting forest fires in Brazilian Conservation Units. ROIs by National Fire Information System for the period 2010 to 2020 were used. The number of complete and incomplete ROIs, types of detection, amount of area burned, time of detection, attack and combat were evaluated. The results showed that only 52.33% of the ROIs were complete and that 2019 was the year with the most complete ROIs. Observation points and patrol were the main detection methods. Brazilian UCs suffered from the destruction of 31,918,617.41 hectares in the analyzed period, which means an extreme severity index. It is concluded that Brazilian UCs have low efficiency in combating FI, mainly in initial attack and combat, and it is necessary to improve the efficiency of detection and combat, infrastructure, conduct training and awareness about the importance of ROIs.A precariedade dos planos de combate aos incêndios florestais, torna o fogo a principal ameaça às Unidades de Conservação. Os Registros de Ocorrência de Incêndios (ROIs) são estratégias para aumentar a eficiência no enfrentamento aos incêndios. Assim, com a presente pesquisa objetivou-se analisar a eficiência de combate aos incêndios florestais em Unidades de Conservação brasileiras. Foram utilizados os ROIs do Sistema Nacional de Informações sobre Fogo referentes ao intervalo de 2010 a 2020. Foram avaliados o número de ROIs completos e incompletos, tipos de detecção, quantidade de área queimada, tempo de detecção, de ataque e de combate. Os resultados evidenciaram que apenas 52,33% dos ROIs estavam completos e que 2019 foi o ano com mais ROIs completos. Os pontos de observação e a ronda foram os principais métodos de detecção. As unidades de conservação brasileiras sofreram com a destruição de 31.918.617,41 hectares no período analisado, que significa índice de severidade extremo. Conclui-se que as unidades de conservação brasileiras apresentam baixa eficiência de combate aos incêndios florestais, principalmente de ataque inicial e combate, sendo necessário melhorar a eficiência da detecção e combate, infraestrutura, realizar treinamentos e conscientização sobre a importância dos ROIs. Palavras-chave: proteção florestal; registro de ocorrência de incêndios; áreas protegidas.   Firefighting efficiency in Brazilian Protected Areas   ABSTRACT: The precariousness of plans to combat forest fires, makes fire the main threat to Protected areas. Fire Occurrence Records (ROIs) are strategies to increase efficiency in fighting fires. Thus, we aimed analyze the efficiency of fighting forest fires in Brazilian Protected Areas. ROIs by National Fire Information System for the period 2010 to 2020 were used. The number of complete and incomplete ROIs, types of detection, amount of area burned, time of detection, attack and combat were evaluated. The results showed that only 52.33% of the ROIs were complete and that 2019 was the year with the most complete ROIs. Observation points and patrol were the main detection methods. Brazilian protected areas suffered from the destruction of 31,918,617.41 hectares in the analyzed period, which means an extreme severity index. It is concluded that Brazilian protected areas have low efficiency in combating forest fires, mainly in initial attack and combat, and it is necessary to improve the efficiency of detection and combat, infrastructure, conduct training and awareness about the importance of ROIs. Keywords: forest protection; record of fire occurrences; protected areas

Quality of eucalyptus wood chips for bioenergy as a function of drying time and horizontal chipper settings

The increase in the use of energy from forest biomass has increased the demand for knowledge about tree-chipping operations. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of different drying times of wood logs and various combinations of knife and anvil configurations in the horizontal chipper on the quality of Eucalyptus dunnii chips produced for energy purposes. The study was conducted in a seven-year-old stand of E. dunnii. A horizontal chipper was used to chip whole trees and obtain nine types of chips, resulting from the interaction between the three drying times of the trees and three configurations of the horizontal chipper. The chips were characterized, followed by an evaluation of energy quality for comparison between the treatments. Among the outcomes discerned, it became evident that the employed wood exhibited a Basic Density (0.506 g.cm-³). The chip dimensions and bulk density presented notable disparities owing to the distinct chipper configurations and tree drying time. The extended drying period (150 days) conferred a lower average moisture content (34.20%) to the study materials. Moreover, the ash content was lower in the treatment with 150 drying days (0.52%). Both the useful calorific value and the Fuel Value Index were also greater in the treatment (150 drying days), measuring 2600.00 kcal kg−1 and 128.06 cal cm−3, respectively. In the analysis of the Fuel Value Index concerning chipper configurations, it was observed that for chips featuring a granulometry of 25 mm, the treatment involving 150 days of drying, four knives, and one shim proved the most efficient (Q = 0.979). Conversely, for chips with a granulometry of 16 mm, the treatment involving 150 days of drying, eight knives, and one shim emerged as the most efficient (Q = 0.970). Consequently, the proposed index is efficacious and underscores the necessity of adapting knife settings in response to moisture content changes to maintain the desired granulometry and apparent density standards

GIS-Based Approach Applied to Study of Seasonal Rainfall Influence over Flood Vulnerability

Flooding occurrence is one of the most common phenomena that impact urban areas, and this intensifies during heavy rainfall periods. Knowing the areas with the greatest vulnerability is of paramount importance as it allows mitigating actions to be implemented in order to minimize the generated impacts. In this context, this study aimed to use Geographic Information System (GIS) tools to identify the areas with greater flooding vulnerability in Espírito Santo state, Brazil. The study was based on the following methodological steps: (1) a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) acquisition and watersheds delimitation; (2) maximum and accumulated rainfall intensity calculations for the three studied periods using meteorological data; (3) a land use and occupation map reclassification regarding flood vulnerability and fuzzy logic application; (4) an application of Euclidean distance and fuzzy logic in hydrography and water mass vector variables; (5) a flood vulnerability model generation. Based on the found results, it was observed that the metropolitan and coastal regions presented as greater flood vulnerability areas during the dry season, as in these regions, almost all of the 9.18% of the state’s area was classified as highly vulnerable, while during rainy season, the most vulnerable areas were concentrated in Caparaó and in the coastal and immigration and metropolitan regions, as in these regions, almost all of the 12.72% of the state’s area was classified as highly vulnerable. In general, by annually distributing the rainfall rates, a greater flood vulnerability was observed in the metropolitan and coastal and immigration regions, as in these areas, almost all of the 7.72% of the state’s area was classified as highly vulnerable. According to the study, Espírito Santo state was mostly classified as a low (29.15%) and medium (28.06%) flood vulnerability area considering the annual period, while its metropolitan region has a very high flood vulnerability risk. Finally, GIS modeling is important to assist in decision making regarding public management and the employed methodology presents worldwide application potential

GIS-Based Approach Applied to Study of Seasonal Rainfall Influence over Flood Vulnerability

Flooding occurrence is one of the most common phenomena that impact urban areas, and this intensifies during heavy rainfall periods. Knowing the areas with the greatest vulnerability is of paramount importance as it allows mitigating actions to be implemented in order to minimize the generated impacts. In this context, this study aimed to use Geographic Information System (GIS) tools to identify the areas with greater flooding vulnerability in Espírito Santo state, Brazil. The study was based on the following methodological steps: (1) a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) acquisition and watersheds delimitation; (2) maximum and accumulated rainfall intensity calculations for the three studied periods using meteorological data; (3) a land use and occupation map reclassification regarding flood vulnerability and fuzzy logic application; (4) an application of Euclidean distance and fuzzy logic in hydrography and water mass vector variables; (5) a flood vulnerability model generation. Based on the found results, it was observed that the metropolitan and coastal regions presented as greater flood vulnerability areas during the dry season, as in these regions, almost all of the 9.18% of the state’s area was classified as highly vulnerable, while during rainy season, the most vulnerable areas were concentrated in Caparaó and in the coastal and immigration and metropolitan regions, as in these regions, almost all of the 12.72% of the state’s area was classified as highly vulnerable. In general, by annually distributing the rainfall rates, a greater flood vulnerability was observed in the metropolitan and coastal and immigration regions, as in these areas, almost all of the 7.72% of the state’s area was classified as highly vulnerable. According to the study, Espírito Santo state was mostly classified as a low (29.15%) and medium (28.06%) flood vulnerability area considering the annual period, while its metropolitan region has a very high flood vulnerability risk. Finally, GIS modeling is important to assist in decision making regarding public management and the employed methodology presents worldwide application potential

NEOTROPICAL CARNIVORES: a data set on carnivore distribution in the Neotropics

Mammalian carnivores are considered a key group in maintaining ecological health and can indicate potential ecological integrity in landscapes where they occur. Carnivores also hold high conservation value and their habitat requirements can guide management and conservation plans. The order Carnivora has 84 species from 8 families in the Neotropical region: Canidae; Felidae; Mephitidae; Mustelidae; Otariidae; Phocidae; Procyonidae; and Ursidae. Herein, we include published and unpublished data on native terrestrial Neotropical carnivores (Canidae; Felidae; Mephitidae; Mustelidae; Procyonidae; and Ursidae). NEOTROPICAL CARNIVORES is a publicly available data set that includes 99,605 data entries from 35,511 unique georeferenced coordinates. Detection/non-detection and quantitative data were obtained from 1818 to 2018 by researchers, governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private consultants. Data were collected using several methods including camera trapping, museum collections, roadkill, line transect, and opportunistic records. Literature (peer-reviewed and grey literature) from Portuguese, Spanish and English were incorporated in this compilation. Most of the data set consists of detection data entries (n = 79,343; 79.7%) but also includes non-detection data (n = 20,262; 20.3%). Of those, 43.3% also include count data (n = 43,151). The information available in NEOTROPICAL CARNIVORES will contribute to macroecological, ecological, and conservation questions in multiple spatio-temporal perspectives. As carnivores play key roles in trophic interactions, a better understanding of their distribution and habitat requirements are essential to establish conservation management plans and safeguard the future ecological health of Neotropical ecosystems. Our data paper, combined with other large-scale data sets, has great potential to clarify species distribution and related ecological processes within the Neotropics. There are no copyright restrictions and no restriction for using data from this data paper, as long as the data paper is cited as the source of the information used. We also request that users inform us of how they intend to use the data

NEOTROPICAL ALIEN MAMMALS: a data set of occurrence and abundance of alien mammals in the Neotropics

Biological invasion is one of the main threats to native biodiversity. For a species to become invasive, it must be voluntarily or involuntarily introduced by humans into a nonnative habitat. Mammals were among first taxa to be introduced worldwide for game, meat, and labor, yet the number of species introduced in the Neotropics remains unknown. In this data set, we make available occurrence and abundance data on mammal species that (1) transposed a geographical barrier and (2) were voluntarily or involuntarily introduced by humans into the Neotropics. Our data set is composed of 73,738 historical and current georeferenced records on alien mammal species of which around 96% correspond to occurrence data on 77 species belonging to eight orders and 26 families. Data cover 26 continental countries in the Neotropics, ranging from Mexico and its frontier regions (southern Florida and coastal-central Florida in the southeast United States) to Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay, and the 13 countries of Caribbean islands. Our data set also includes neotropical species (e.g., Callithrix sp., Myocastor coypus, Nasua nasua) considered alien in particular areas of Neotropics. The most numerous species in terms of records are from Bos sp. (n = 37,782), Sus scrofa (n = 6,730), and Canis familiaris (n = 10,084); 17 species were represented by only one record (e.g., Syncerus caffer, Cervus timorensis, Cervus unicolor, Canis latrans). Primates have the highest number of species in the data set (n = 20 species), partly because of uncertainties regarding taxonomic identification of the genera Callithrix, which includes the species Callithrix aurita, Callithrix flaviceps, Callithrix geoffroyi, Callithrix jacchus, Callithrix kuhlii, Callithrix penicillata, and their hybrids. This unique data set will be a valuable source of information on invasion risk assessments, biodiversity redistribution and conservation-related research. There are no copyright restrictions. Please cite this data paper when using the data in publications. We also request that researchers and teachers inform us on how they are using the data