Assessment of Forest Dynamics in Chikkamagalur District, Central Western Ghats using Temporal Remote Sensing Data and Spatial Metrics

T. V. Ramachandra; Sudarshan P. Bhat; Gouri Kulkarni; Bharath H. Aithal

doi:10.36808/if/2019/v145i8/147119

Assessment of Forest Dynamics in Chikkamagalur District, Central Western Ghats using Temporal Remote Sensing Data and Spatial Metrics

Authors

T. V. Ramachandra Energy and Wetlands Research Group, Center for Ecological Sciences [CES] Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore - 560 012, Karnataka
Sudarshan P. Bhat Energy and Wetlands Research Group, Center for Ecological Sciences [CES] Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore - 560 012, Karnataka
Gouri Kulkarni Energy and Wetlands Research Group, Center for Ecological Sciences [CES] Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore - 560 012, Karnataka
Bharath H. Aithal Energy and Wetlands Research Group, Center for Ecological Sciences [CES] Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore - 560 012, Karnataka

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36808/if/2019/v145i8/147119

Keywords:

Western Ghats, Chikkamagalur, LULC, Forest Dynamics, Forest Fragmentation, Landscape Structure.

Abstract

Forests in the ecologically fragile Western Ghats are undergoing changes in its structure and composition due to irrational policy decisions and mounting human pressure on forest services. Land-use changes in any form potentially result in fragmentation. The extent of the impact will depend on the type of change, the degree of fragmentation, and has effect in terms of patch size, patch shape, connectivity and isolation. This study investigates the spatial patterns of landscape fragmentation dynamics considering temporal data acquired through space borne sensors. Results revealed that forest vegetation has declined from 50.74% (1976) to 36.33% (2009) due to conversion of forests to agriculture, industrial and developmental activities. Encroachment of forest land (22055.59 ha) and conversion to agricultural land is the principal cause of degradation at local level apart from land releases for major developmental activities. Forest fragmentation analysis through spatial metrics shows decline in the interior forest and domination of isolated patches. This study illustrates importance of understanding spatiotemporal patterns of land use changes for sustainable management of tropical forests and help in formulating appropriate conservation measures for the region rich in forest resources.

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