Utilizarea analizei fractale în conservarea biodiversității și în reconstrucția ecologică

Abstract

This article explores the use of fractal analysis as a tool to support decision making for biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration in the context of contemporary anthropogenic pressures and climate change. Fractal analysis, a complex mathematical approach, is used to examine the spatial patterns of ecosystems, providing a detailed perspective on their diversity and complexity. The main fractal measures used - fractal dimension, lacunarity and succolarity - complement each other to provide a comprehensive analysis of ecosystem structure and change. The study focuses on the effects of deforestation on forest ecosystems in two mountainous regions of Romania: the Northern Group of the Eastern Carpathians and the Retezat-Godeanu Group. Fractal analysis revealed distinct patterns of deforestation between these regions, highlighting changes in forest space-filling, spatial heterogeneity and connectivity of forest fragments. The results suggest that deforestation has led to habitat loss and ecosystem fragmentation, affecting biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Fractal analysis was instrumental in highlighting these changes and providing data for planning conservation and ecological restoration efforts. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of fractal analysis in understanding ecosystem dynamics and developing strategies for natural resource management.