Publications
Jaguars and wild pigs indicate protected area connectivity in the south-east Atlantic Forest (Brazil)
Despite the highly fragmented landscape of Brazil's south-east Atlantic Forest, both jaguars and wild pigs exhibit connectivity among protected areas. While wild pigs, with their lower environmental requirements, show more connectivity opportunities, the study reveals that even threatened species like jaguars can traverse narrow corridors through protected areas of sustainable use and private reserves. This finding underscores the critical role these areas play in maintaining landscape integrity for both native and invasive species. The research employed expert opinion, Circuitscape analysis, and least-cost-path modeling to assess connectivity, highlighting a concerning dual-use of landscapes that benefits conservation efforts while also facilitating the spread of invasive species.
Relative importance of anthropogenic landscape characteristics for Neotropical frugivores at multiple scales
Frugivores, crucial to Neotropical forest ecosystems, face significant threats from human activities. This study reveals that anthropogenic landscape characteristics—such as human accessibility, proximity to reserves, and forest cover—are the primary determinants of occupancy for frugivorous species like the paca (Cuniculus paca), brocket deer (Mazama sp.), and collared peccary (Pecari tajacu) in the Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves. Environmental and geomorphometric variables played a weaker role, while weather, season, and habitat factors influenced detection probability. The research employed camera traps and call surveys across 45 sites over a year, analyzing landscape metrics at three spatial scales (200, 500, and 1000 meters) using multi-season occupancy modeling. Findings underscore the need for a multi-taxa and multi-scale approach to conservation planning, as different frugivore species respond variably to landscape attributes depending on their perceptual scale.
Estudo da Amenidade Térmica Proporcionada Pela Reserva Ecológica de Dois Irmãos, Recife - PE (Study of Thermal Amenity Provided by the Ecological Reserve of Dois Irmãos, Recife - PE)
Urbanization significantly impacts thermal comfort, with green spaces offering substantial climate regulation. A study of the Ecological Reserve of Dois Irmãos in Recife, Brazil, found a 5°C difference in temperature between urbanized areas and the forest reserve, alongside a 20% increase in humidity within the green space. The research compared microclimatic conditions—temperature, humidity, and wind speed—across urban, edge, and interior zones of the reserve using strategically positioned measurement points. Results underscored the critical role of urban forests in mitigating heat stress, improving air quality, and enhancing thermal comfort for city dwellers. Preservation of such green areas is highlighted as essential for both climate adaptation and public well-being.
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