Índice de perigo de incêndio florestal em unidades de conservação do corredor central da Mata Atlântica, Brasil no período de 2001 a 2019

Abstract

The study analyzed the influence of El Niño and La Niña episodes on the forest fire danger index in the Conservation Units (UCs) of the Central Atlantic Forest Corridor (CCMA) between 2001 and 2019. Using five meteorological variables (rainfall, average air temperature, relative humidity, evapotranspiration, and wind speed), along with data on heat spots and burned areas, the study calculated the forest fire danger index for 65 UCs. Spearman's correlation was applied between the index and the heat spots. The results revealed that El Niño and La Niña episodes significantly impact the meteorological variables and the index. El Niño periods were associated with a higher number of heat spots. A total of 3,741 heat spots were identified, with a higher incidence in sustainable use UCs (2,888) compared to strictly protected ones (853). The Environmental Protection Areas (APA) category had the highest number of heat spots. The danger index showed a good correlation with heat spots, especially for National Parks.