Inventário Florestal Nacional - Maranhão

The state of Maranhão includes three different biomes, which contributes to a high diversity of landscapes: the Cerrado and its different phytophysiognomies from the open ones (fields) to closed woods; the Amazon with characteristic vegetation of tall trees, floodplain forests in periodically flooded plains and permanently flooded igapó forests; and a small portion of the Caatinga biome, characterized by the presence of bushy vegetation with twisted branches and deep roots, and cacti and bromeliads. According to Embrapa (2016), the Cerrado biome (64%), Amazonia (35%) and Caatinga (1%) make up a mosaic of landscapes rich in biodiversity. Based on the integrated analysis of information on the phyto-ecological regions, biomes, conservation areas and priority areas for biodiversity conservation, 76% of the state of Maranhão was considered to be vegetation areas, mainly Secondary Vegetation (26%), Savana (23%) and Semidecidual Seasonal Forest (13%). Regarding the preservation of the remnants, although 19% of the State is protected by conservation units, less than 5% can be considered as integral protection areas and are located outside the Amazon biome and the Legal Amazon. Priority areas of conservation, especially those of extremely high importance, are not represented in conservation units of integral protection. Amazônia Maranhense has 81,208.40 km², representing 24.46% of the state's territory (IBGE, 2002), in which 62 municipalities are located. Maranhão is the state of the Legal Amazon that has the lowest degree of occupation of protected area space, presents a high degree of deforestation and forest fragmentation and one of the lowest human development indexes.

Capital: São Luis

Área: 331.983km²

População: 7.035.055

Map with sampling points in the state of Maranhão

Map with sampling points in the state of MaranhãoThe National Forest Inventory (IFN) in the state of Maranhão was carried out during the months of March to November of the year 2018. In which 302 biophysical data collection points and more than 1,000 social and environmental interviews were sampled.

Krüger Florestal team on mango phytophysiognomy

The state of Maranhão has several types of vegetation: Amazonian forest, cerrado, caatinga, mangrove, restinga, areas with predominance of palms or shrubs, natural fields, planted forest, short cycle crops, cultivated pasture, among others. In the photo team of Krüger Florestal in the Central Point, after finalization of the sample unit, in mangrove phytophysiognomy.

Sample unit installation

For squaring of the sample unit, beacons, trena and a precision compass are used.

Survey of biophysical data

After the installation of the sampling unit several biophysical data are collected. Geographic coordinates, necromass and litter evaluation, collection of soil samples and terrain slope are collected. Identification, sanity, shape of the stem, sociological position, diameter measurement at breast height (DBH) and height of trees, habit of individuals, herbaceous survey and natural regeneration. Photographic registration, collection and herborization of botanical material.

Collection of botanical material

In very tall trees the collection of the vegetative material is realized with the aid of an equipment popularly called "podão", in which it has a pair of scissors attached and can reach great heights, facilitating the collection of this material.

Herborization of botanical material in the field

Process of herborization of the botanical material in the field, since many plant species have sensitive leaves and lose water easily, with this procedure performed in the field, later results in a higher quality exsicata.

Excavation work

After the collection, storage and herborization of the botanical material, in the office its exsicata is elaborated along with a registry report with diverse information about the plant. Subsequently this material is sent to botanists, who identify their scientific name.

Socio-environmental Survey (LSA)

Socioenvironmental Survey (LSA) information is important because it makes it possible to monitor the relationship of residents with the forest and the use of forest resources. Facilitating public policy effectiveness in relation to the sustainable use of forests. In the photo team and resident interviewed in his community during the Socioenvironmental Survey, in the municipality of Santa Inês, state of Maranhão.

Difficulties to reach the access point

Moving from the point of origin to the point of access is often difficult due to roads and bridges in poor conditions, rivers, bogs, among others.

Krüger Florestal team

In the photo one of the teams of the company Krüger Florestal participating in the National Forest Inventory (IFN), in the state of Maranhão, upon arrival at the Central Point.