Invasões biológicas em uma área protegida: o caso da algaroba (Prosopis juliflora (SW.) DC.) na Terra Indígena Pankararu – Pe.

Abstract

This study investigated the invasion of the exotic species algaroba (Prosopis juliflora) into an Indigenous Territory, focusing on the impacts of this invasion in terms of changes in land use and occupation, as well as the resulting ecological and socioeconomic implications. The research began with a detailed characterization of the study area, including an analysis of its environmental and socioeconomic conditions, which allowed us to understand the context in which the invasion occurred. Data were then collected through remote sensing and geoprocessing, techniques that proved crucial for identifying the areas most affected by the algaroba's expansion. The study continued with supervised image classification, allowing us to accurately map the algaroba's distribution in the study areas. Based on this data, a comparative analysis of changes in land use and occupation from 1985 to 2022 was conducted, highlighting the replacement of native ecosystems by areas dominated by algaroba. These results highlight the magnitude of the invasion and its effects on local biodiversity, including the reduction of native species and the alteration of ecosystem functions. Furthermore, the study explored the socioeconomic consequences of the invasion, analyzing how the presence of mesquite affects agricultural and livestock activities, and the livelihoods of local communities. The research also discussed the challenges faced in implementing management and control strategies for this invasive species, suggesting the need for more effective public policies and conservation actions. The conclusion is that the mesquite invasion poses a significant threat to the conservation of natural ecosystems and the sustainability of economic activities in the affected regions, requiring immediate interventions to mitigate its impacts.