Fire influence on forest cover in the Caparaó microregion, state of Espírito Santo, Brazil

Forests play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, and the provision of essential ecosystem services. However, their resilience has been compromised by disturbances such as wildfires, which cause vegetation loss, habitat fragmentation, and disruptions of ecological cycles. Understanding the relationship between fire and forest cover is crucial for guiding conservation strategies, especially in biodiversity-rich regions like the Caparaó microregion in the state of Espírito Santo (Brazil). This study examined the impact of wildfires on forest cover between 2012 and 2021, integrating remote sensing data, meteorological information, and geoprocessing tools. The results indicated that approximately 43.92 km2 were affected by fire, with 1.78% (0.78 km2) of the impacted areas covered by forests. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.837) was found between fire occurrence and forest cover loss, indicating that increased fire activity is associated with a reduction in forest area. A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.422) was observed between maximum temperature and burned area, which may indicate a trend of increasing fire risk as temperatures rise. It is important to note that the increase in forest cover observed during the study period primarily occurred in areas distinct from those affected by fire, suggesting natural regeneration or reforestation processes in other parts of the landscape. This scenario highlights the importance of public policies that prioritize continuous monitoring and fire prevention, especially given the projected increase in extreme climatic events, such as severe droughts, expected over the coming decades. The results of this study provide useful insights for land-use planning and the development of restoration and conservation strategies for the Atlantic Forest and similar ecosystems.