Modelagem biométrica para árvores individuais a partir do lidar em área de manejo de precisão em florestas tropicais na Amazônia Ocidental

The studies in this thesis aim to obtain equations for estimating bole volume, impact of gaps and bole biomass of dominant and codominant trees cut under conditions of precision forest management. These equations used morphometric variables of the canopy obtained by the airborne LIDAR. The study area is in the Antimary State Forest (FEA), located in the municipality of Bujari in the state of Acre, Brazil. The studies were grouped into three chapters. The first has as its object the construction of equations for estimating the bole volume of individual trees considering two situations of forest inventory: a) with the collection of diameter at breast height (DBH), and crown morphometric variables obtained from LIDAR data and b) using only the crown morphometry variables. For the selection of models the factors considered were: the correlation matrix of predictor variables and the combination of variables that generates the best results by statistical criteria Syx, Syx (%) and Pressp, and that were homoscedastic and had normal and independent distributions of errors. Influence analysis was perfomed for the best equations. Results for the statistical fit of the equations for the two situations allowed selection of models with and without DBH, with R2 aj.(%) values of a) 92.92 and b) 79.44, Syx(%) values of a) 16.73 and b) 27.47, and, Pressp criterion values of a) 201.15 m6 and b) 537.47 m6, respectively. The second chapter describes the studies for estimating the areas of gaps of individual dominant and codominant trees, since this information is neglected in the forest planning process and its prior analysis is an important tool for selection of trees that can maximize the forest volume maintained and reduce the impacts on forest cover. On two separate occasions profiles were made in an annual forestproduction unit in the Antimary State Forest (FEA). The first was carried out a few days before the start of logging and the second was done after completion of harvest activities. With field measurements and processing of the cloud of LIDAR points, dendrometric and morphometric variables were obtained for the canopy in order to develop equations for estimating gap areas. After evaluation of the explanatory variables with the highest correlations with gap area, the method used considering all possible models and including 2-4 parameters. Ten equations were selected, of which two were chosen for use; these had R2 aj > 75%, Syx < 23%, the sum of the residuals tending to zero and a graph of the distribution of the residuals indicating no bias. The third and final chapter presents the development of allometric models for estimating green and dry biomass stored in the boles of dominant and codominant trees. The method used selected from among all possible models and performed identity testing of models in order to consider the different groups of basic wood density (low, medium and high). The morphometric variables of the crown showed high explanatory power for predicting bole biomass and allometric equations can be associated or not with varying DBH. When considering bole biomass according to the basic wood density, the best estimate is obtained using allometric equations with variables on both morphology of crown and DBH. To form a single group involving the three classes of basic density, one must adhere exclusively the explanatory variables represent the crown, or, in the case of dry biomass, variables basic density (DB) and total height (Ht). By of morphometric variables of the tree crown obtained with the airborne LIDAR it was possible to develop equations capable of accurately estimating the area of gap and the volume and bole biomass of dominant and codominant trees in tropical forests, which demonstrates the potential of using forest profiling for improving precision management.Os estudos realizados nesta tese visam obter equações para estimativa do volume do fuste, impacto de clareiras e biomassa do fuste de árvores codominantes e dominantes cortadas em condições de manejo florestal de precisão. Para isso, foram utilizadas variáveis morfométricas das copas das árvores obtidas por meio do LIDAR aerotransportado. A área de estudo pertence à Floresta Estadual do Antimary (FEA), localizada no município do Bujari, no Estado do Acre, Brasil. Assim, os estudos foram segmentados em três capítulos. O primeiro teve como objeto a construção de equações capazes de estimar o volume do fuste de árvores individuais considerando duas situações de inventário florestal: a) com a coleta da variável diâmetro à altura do peito (DAP), conjuntamente com as variáveis morfométricas da copa obtidas pelo LIDAR e b) apenas com os dados de morfometria da copa. Para seleção dos modelos foram consideradas a matriz de correlação das variáveis preditoras e a combinação das variáveis que geraram os melhores resultados estatísticos pelos critérios Syx, Syx(%) e Pressp, e que foram homocedásticos e com disposição dos resíduos normais e independentes. Para as melhores equações foi realizada análise de influência. Os resultados estatísticos do ajuste dos modelos para as duas situações permitiram selecionar equações com e sem DAP, com resultados R2 aj.(%) de a) 92,92 e b) 79,44; Syx(%) de a) 16,73 e b) 27,47; e, critério de Pressp de a) 201,15 m6 e b) 537,47 m6, respectivamente. O segundo capítulo descreve os estudos para estimar as áreas de clareiras de árvores individuais codominantes e dominantes cortadas em manejo, visto que essa importante informação é negligenciada no procedimento de planejamento florestal e sua análise prévia é um importante instrumento para seleção de árvores que possam maximizar o volume e reduzir os impactos sobre a cobertura florestal. Em duas oportunidades distintas, foi realizado o perfilamento florestal em uma unidade de produção anual: a primeira, dias antes do início da exploração florestal e a segunda, após a conclusão das atividades. Com mensurações de campo e processamento da nuvem de pontos do LIDAR, foram obtidas variáveis dendrométricas e de morfometria da copa para desenvolver equações visando estimar a área de clareira. Foi empregado o método de todos os modelos possíveis, considerando a inclusão de 2 a 4 parâmetros, sendo que, previamente, foram avaliadas as variáveis explicativas com maior correlação com a clareira. Foram selecionadas dez equações e, destas, duas foram indicadas para uso, com R2 aj superior a 75%, Syx menor que 23%, somatória dos resíduos tendendo a zero e distribuição gráfica dos resíduos sem tendências. O terceiro e último capítulo apresenta o desenvolvimento de modelos alométricos para estimar as biomassas seca e verde estocadas nos fustes de árvores dominantes e codominantes. O método foi a seleção de todos os modelos possíveis e o teste de identidade de modelos, de maneira a considerar os distintos grupos de densidade básica da madeira (baixa, média e alta). As variáveis morfométricas de copa apresentaram alto poder explicativo da biomassa do fuste e podem constituir equações alométricas associadas ou não com a variável DAP. Quando se pondera a biomassa do fuste de acordo com a densidade básica da madeira, a melhor estimativa é obtida usando equações alométricas com as variáveis de morfometria da copa e o DAP. Para formar um único grupo que envolva as três classes de densidade básica, deve-se adotar exclusivamente variáveis explicativas de copa ou incorporar, para o caso de biomassa seca, as variáveis densidade básica (DB) e altura total (Ht). Por meio das variáveis morfométricas das copas obtidas com o LIDAR aerotransportado foi possível desenvolver equações capazes de estimar com precisão a área de clareiras, volume e a biomassa do fuste de árvores dominantes e codominantes em florestas tropicais, o que demonstra o potencial do uso do perfilamento florestal para a melhoria do manejo de precisão

Predição da distribuição de espécies florestais usando variáveis topográficas e de índice de vegetação no leste do Acre, Brasil

Species distribution modeling has relevant implications for the studies of biodiversity, decision making about conservation and knowledge about ecological requirements of the species. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the use of forest inventories can improve the estimation of occurrence probability, identify the limits of the potential distribution and habitat preference of a group of timber tree species. The environmental predictor variables wereelevation, slope, aspect, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and height above the nearest drainage (HAND). To estimate the distribution of species we used the maximum entropy method (Maxent). In comparison with a random distribution, using topographic variables and vegetation index as features, the Maxent method predicted with an average accuracy of 86% the geographical distribution of studied species. The altitude and NDVI were the most important variables. There were limitations to the interpolation of the models for non-sampled locations and that are outside of the elevation gradient associated with the occurrence data in approximately 7% of the basin area. Ceiba pentandra (samaúma), Castilla ulei (caucho) and Hura crepitans (assacu) is more likely to occur in nearby water course areas. Clarisia racemosa (guariúba), Amburana acreana (cerejeira), Aspidosperma macrocarpon (pereiro), Apuleia leiocarpa (cumaru cetim), Aspidosperma parvifolium (amarelão) and Astronium lecointei (aroeira) can also occur in upland forest and well drained soils. This modeling approach has potential for application on other tropical species still less studied, especially those that are under pressure from logging.A modelagem de distribuição de espécie tem implicações fundamentais para o estudo da biodiversidade, tomada de decisão em conservação e para a compreensão dos requerimentos ecológicos das espécies. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar se a utilização de inventários florestais pode melhorar a estimativa de probabilidade de ocorrência, identificar os limites da distribuição potencial e preferência de habitat de um grupo de espécies madeireiras. As variáveis ambientais preditoras foram: altitude, declividade, exposição, índice de vegetação por diferença normalizada (NDVI) e distância vertical à drenagem mais próxima (HAND). Para estimar a distribuição das espécies foi utilizado o método de máxima entropia (Maxent). Em comparação com uma distribuição aleatória, utilizando variáveis topográficas e de índice de vegetação, o método Maxent alcançou uma acurácia de 86%, em média, na distribuição geográfica predita das espécies estudadas. A altitude e o NDVI foram as variáveis mais importantes. Houve limitações na interpolação dos modelos para locais não amostrados e que estão fora do gradiente de altitude associado aos dados de ocorrência, em aproximadamente 7% da área da bacia. Ceiba pentandra (samaúma), Castilla ulei (caucho) e Hura crepitans (assacu) tem maior probabilidade de ocorrência em áreas próximas aos cursos de água. Clarisia racemosa (guariúba), Amburana acreana (cerejeira), Aspidosperma macrocarpon (pereiro), Apuleia leiocarpa (cumaru cetim), Aspidosperma parvifolium (amarelão) e Astronium lecointei (aroeira) podem ocorrer também em floresta de terra firme e solos bem drenados. Essa abordagem de modelagem tem potencial de aplicação para outras espécies tropicais ainda pouco estudadas, sobretudo aquelas que estão sobre pressão da atividade madeireira

Preliminary results of the 2017 season in the Amazonian earthen structures known as geoglyphs.

La primera sesión de trabajo de campo del equipo conjunto de investigación de la de la Universitat de València Estudi General (UVEG) y  la Universidad Federal de Acre (UFAC) ha avanzado significativamente en el conocimiento de las estructuras de tierra construidas en el paisaje amazónico, conocidas popularmente como "geoglifos". En ella se ha realizado por primera vez una topografía de alta precisión y ha permitido hallar una nueva estructura que sumar al catálago en el territorio de la "Reserva Extrativista Chico Mendés"

Doing archaeology and working with Amazonian communities: the case of the earthen structures known as geoglyphs

The project of study of earthen structures known as geoglyphs led by the universities of Valencia (Spain) and the Federal University of Acre (Rio Branco, Brazil) has different objectives but the main one, beyond, the study of the structures is the implementation of plans that allow the necessary protection of these monuments having an impact on local communities. The project pretends to move away from interventions that could be labeled as ‘neocolonialist’ and contribute to the development of archaeological activity in the state of Acre. For this, it has the collaboration of the Acrean delegation of the Instituto de Patrimonio Histórico Artístico (IPHAN), la fundación Elías Mansur de Cultura e Comunicação and institutions of great social relevance as the In- stituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade (ICMBIO) and the Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuària (EMBRAPA). The study of the geoglyphs, paradoxically, has been possible due to the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest with absolute con- tempt of the local communities, both indigenous and rubber workers (serengueiros). The sustainable development of these com- munities implies a management of the extractive reserves, mainly of the Chico Mendes one, and to that sustainable development it intends to contribute the integral study of the earthen structures known as geogplyphs. The extraordinary dimension of the phe- nomenon, more than 500 structures in the state of Acre (more than 150000 km2 of mainly forested surface) makes its conserva- tion very complicated if local communities are not involved. From the archaeological point of view, the necessary excavations have to weigh the sustainability of the project and plan activities of protection.The project of study of earthen structures known as geoglyphs led by the universities of Valencia (Spain) and the Federal University of Acre (Rio Branco, Brazil) has different objectives but the main one, beyond, the study of the structures is the implementation of plans that allow the necessary protection of these monuments having an impact on local communities. The project pretends to move away from interventions that could be labeled as ‘neocolonialist’ and contribute to the development of archaeological activity in the state of Acre. For this, it has the collaboration of the Acrean delegation of the Instituto de Patrimonio Histórico Artístico (IPHAN), la fundación Elías Mansur de Cultura e Comunicação and institutions of great social relevance as the In- stituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade (ICMBIO) and the Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuària (EMBRAPA). The study of the geoglyphs, paradoxically, has been possible due to the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest with absolute con- tempt of the local communities, both indigenous and rubber workers (serengueiros). The sustainable development of these com- munities implies a management of the extractive reserves, mainly of the Chico Mendes one, and to that sustainable development it intends to contribute the integral study of the earthen structures known as geogplyphs. The extraordinary dimension of the phe- nomenon, more than 500 structures in the state of Acre (more than 150000 km2 of mainly forested surface) makes its conserva- tion very complicated if local communities are not involved. From the archaeological point of view, the necessary excavations have to weigh the sustainability of the project and plan activities of protection

Equations to estimate tree gaps in a precision forest management area the amazon based on crown morphometry

ABSTRACT The precision forest management technique still has much to be improved with the incorporation of forest biometric techniques and forest profiling with airborne LIDAR. When planning the cutting of a tree in forest management, the volume to be produced for industry is estimated but not the area impacted by removal of the tree. The objective of the present study was to develop equations for the Amazon rainforest that are able to estimate the impact area of gaps from harvesting individual dominant and co-dominant trees based on the canopy morphology obtained through forest profiling. On two separate occasions profiles were made in an annual forest-production unit in the Antimary State Forest (FEA) in the state of Acre, Brazil. The first was done a few days before the start of logging in 2010 and the second was done after completion of harvest activities in 2011. With field measurements and processing of the cloud of LIDAR points, dendrometric and morphometric variables were obtained for the canopy in order to develop equations for estimating gap areas. After evaluation of the explanatory variables with the highest correlation with gap area, the method used considered all possible models and included 2-4 parameters. The explanatory variables that best represent the impact of clearings are volume of the crown (VCop) and crown-projection area (APC). Ten equations were selected, of which two were chosen for use; these had R2 aj > 75% and Syx <23%. The good fit of the equations demonstrates the potential use of LIDAR to obtain information for estimating in advance the gaps in the forest cover that will be created from harvesting trees of different sizes

SPATIAL SCALE EFFECTS OF SAMPLING ON THE INTERPOLATION OF SPECIES DISTRIBUTION MODELS IN THE SOUTHWESTERN AMAZON

ABSTRACT Knowledge of the geographical distribution of timber tree species in the Amazon is still scarce. This is especially true at the local level, thereby limiting natural resource management actions. Forest inventories are key sources of information on the occurrence of such species. However, areas with approved forest management plans are mostly located near access roads and the main industrial centers. The present study aimed to assess the spatial scale effects of forest inventories used as sources of occurrence data in the interpolation of potential species distribution models. The occurrence data of a group of six forest tree species were divided into four geographical areas during the modeling process. Several sampling schemes were then tested applying the maximum entropy algorithm, using the following predictor variables: elevation, slope, exposure, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and height above the nearest drainage (HAND). The results revealed that using occurrence data from only one geographical area with unique environmental characteristics increased both model overfitting to input data and omission error rates. The use of a diagonal systematic sampling scheme and lower threshold values led to improved model performance. Forest inventories may be used to predict areas with a high probability of species occurrence, provided they are located in forest management plan regions representative of the environmental range of the model projection area

Allocation of Storage Yards in Management Plans in the Amazon by Means of Mathematical Programming

The present study aimed to optimize the location of wood storage yards in forest management for the production of wood in the Brazilian Amazon. The area of forest management studied was 638.17 ha, with 1478 trees selected for harvest with a diameter at breast height of at least 50 cm in accordance with Brazilian legislation. Taking the topography into account—permanent preservation areas, restricted areas, and remaining trees—and using GIS tools, 7896 sites were identified that could be used as wood storage yards. By using mathematical programming techniques, more specifically binary integer linear programming, and based on the classical p-median model, optimal locations for the opening of yards were defined. Four scenarios were proposed combining distance and volume constraints. The scenarios evaluated promoted reductions in infrastructure investment compared with traditional planning. The results showed reductions in the number of forest roads (–6.33%) and trails to extract logs (–15.49%) when compared to traditional planning. The best performing scenario was that with the maximum volume restriction. It was concluded that the application of mathematical programming was able to promote significant gains in the harvest planning of native forests of the Amazon with the potential to reduce environmental damage