Spatial distribution of Neltuma juliflora (Sw.) Raf. in the Rio Grande do Norte State - Brazil, by visual interpretation of satellite images

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33237/2236-255X.2026.7537

Keywords:

Mesquite, Caatinga vegetation, Geographic Information System (GIS), Invasive species

Abstract

The expansion of mesquite (Neltuma juliflora) in the Brazilian semiarid region is of concern due to its invasive nature and its impact on the Caatinga. This study mapped its distribution in Rio Grande do Norte using satellite images analyzed in the GIS environment, with QGis and Bing Maps data. The methodology involved seven steps, including manual vectorization and field verification. The results showed that the species is concentrated near water bodies, especially in the Apodi-Mossoró and Piranhas-Açu rivers. The Central Potiguar mesoregion presented the largest occupied area (22,012.80 ha), followed by the West (13,072.67 ha) and Agreste Potiguar (4,866.07 ha), while the East Potiguar registered inexpressive values. The study highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and public policies for the management of mesquite, seeking to balance its forage uses with the preservation of native vegetation. Remote sensing proved to be effective in identifying and mapping the species, contributing to environmental control strategies.

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Author Biographies

Marco Antonio Diodato, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA)

Holds a degree in Forest Engineering from the Federal University of Paraná (1989), a Master’s degree in Forest Sciences from the Federal University of Paraná (1993), and a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the Federal University of Paraná (1998). Currently a Full Professor at the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid Region (UFERSA). Has experience in the areas of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences.

Gabriela Salami, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA)

Holds a degree in Forest Engineering from the Santa Catarina State University – UDESC (2004–2009), a specialization in Environmental Law (2020–2021), a Master’s degree in Soil Management from Santa Catarina State University – UDESC (2010–2012), and a Ph.D. in Forest Science with an emphasis on Forest Management from the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco – UFRPE (2016–2020).
Currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agronomic and Forest Sciences at the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid Region (UFERSA), Mossoró-RN Campus, working in the areas of Forest Policy and Legislation, Forest Economics, and Forest Planning and Administration.
Serves as a counselor for CREA/RN in the Specialized Chamber of Agronomy (CEAGRO).
Research and professional areas: Restoration of Degraded Areas, Forest Soils, Environmental and Forest Policy and Legislation, Administration and Planning of Forest Activities, and Forest Economics.

Carlos José da Silva, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA)

Ph.D. in Forest Sciences from the University of Brasília (2014). Holds a degree in Forest Engineering from the State University of Mato Grosso (2011), a Master’s degree in Environmental Physics from the Federal University of Mato Grosso (2006), and a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the State University of Mato Grosso (2003).

Kleisson Eduardo Ferreira da Silva, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA)

Forest Engineer from the Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA). Currently a graduate student in the Postgraduate Program in Environment, Technology, and Society (PPGATS) at the Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA). Has experience in the field of Geosciences, with an emphasis on Remote Sensing and Geoprocessing, working mainly with the following satellites: Landsat Series, Sentinel-2, and CBERS-04A. Carries out activities related to Forest Surveying and Measurement, Watersheds, and Environmental Impacts.

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Published

2026-04-09

How to Cite

DIODATO, Marco Antonio; SALAMI, Gabriela; SILVA, Carlos José da; SILVA, Kleisson Eduardo Ferreira da. Spatial distribution of Neltuma juliflora (Sw.) Raf. in the Rio Grande do Norte State - Brazil, by visual interpretation of satellite images. Journal Geotemas, Pau dos Ferros, v. 16, p. e02605, 2026. DOI: 10.33237/2236-255X.2026.7537. Disponível em: https://periodicos.apps.uern.br/index.php/GEOTemas/article/view/7537. Acesso em: 13 apr. 2026.

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Vol. 16 (2026): Revista Geotemas

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