Landscape assessment of fire severity in the San Rafael National Park Reserve of the atlantic forest in Alto Paraná, Paraguay

Abstract

Objective: Assess the severity of the fire in San Rafael National Park. Theoretical Framework: Forest fires are phenomena that can be studied through their main features, such as intensity, frequency, and severity. This research focuses specifically on severity, defined by the amount of damage caused by the fire and the time required for the ecosystem to recov-er and return to its natural state or pre-fire state. Post-fire regeneration is related to the severity of the fire, and it is, therefore crucial to map it to compare the affected vegetation over different time frames (past and present) and identify areas where the risk is greater. This is useful for decision-making in fire management and prevention. Method: The research assessed fire severity in the areas affected by fire in the San Rafael Na-tional Park Reserve of the Alto Paraná Atlantic Forest landscape. NBR and dNBR indices were used to estimate fire severity based on the CBI index. Finally, the results obtained from the dNBR index were correlated with the CBI. Results and Discussion: The obtained results from the dNBR index correlate with the CBI, revealing a positive linear re-gression with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 85%. This finding demonstrates the useful-ness of the fire severity index (dNBR) to assessing damage caused by forest fires and their effects on vegetation in the San Rafael National Park Reserve. Research Implications: The study demonstrates that the dNBR index is an effective tool for assessing wildfire severity, correlating positively with the Composite Burn Index (CBI). This facilitates monitoring vegetation damage using satellite images, especially in remote areas. The results allow managers to prioritize restoration and conservation efforts in the most affected areas, improving ecosystem resilience. In addition, the methodology is replicable in other areas, contributing to the development of fire management strategies and environmental policies based on scientific evidence. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the originality of using the dNBR index to assess fire severity in Paraguay, an approach little explored in the local context. The research offers new findings by establishing a strong position between the dNBR and the Composite Burn Index (CBI), validating the use of satellite images to monitor fires in remote areas. The relevance and value of this research is evidenced by its direct impact on forest fire management and conservation, providing effective tools to prioritize restoration and improve decision-making in priority areas.