Environmental analysis of land use and occupation in nine watersheds contributing to the Iguaçu River, Brazil

The land use and occupation in watersheds directly influences the water resources, vegetation cover is a crucial factor for maintenance. objective of this study was to characterize nine Lower Iguaçu River (Andrada, Monteiro, Gonçalves Dias, Floriano, Silva Jardim, Cotejipe, Sarandi, Capanema Santo Antônio sub-basin rivers), using classification from satellite images. area obtained high accuracy (Kappa coefficient 99.4 99.9%). Floriano presented highest degree environmental preservation, followed by Jardim Dias sub-basins, fully or partially inserted National Park. Monteiro Sarandi river sub-basins showed smallest areas vegetation, Capanema, Andrada exhibited an intermediate condition. This tendency verified cluster analysis. These results can serve as baseline planning, monitoring management area, modeling, conservation biodiversity, services.