Summary

This map shows the biomass change between 1973 and 1998 in Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary and adjacent areas. The map categorizes the change into three categories - degradation, no change and improvement. The map was prepared using satellite imagery.

Description

The map categorizes the change into three degradation classes, three improvement classes and a no change category. As in all change analysis, the categories have to be understood as relative change from a particular point in time. For example, in this map, an 'improvement' categroy simply means that the condition of the forest shows some improvement from its 1973 status. It doesn't mean the forest is in good condition.

Methods

The change analysis was performed using a Landsat MSS satellite image from 1973 and an IRS LISS III image obtained in 1998. Both images were taken in the same season. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), derived from satellite imagery, which can be used as a relative measure of canopy biomass, was used for the change analysis. Necessary calibration procedures were implemented to nullify atmospheric effects. Standard procedures were followed for geocoding, resolution matching, etc. The change was categorized into three improvement classes, three degradation classes and a no change category.

More information

Several protected areas were established in the country to preserve natural eco-systems. Most protected areas in the Western Ghats are subjected to various types of anthropogenic activities such as grazing, fuel wood collection, NTFP harvesting, illegal logging, poaching, tourism, pilgrimage, development projects, roads, etc. No systematic efforts have been done to analyse the effectiveness of these protected areas. Such efforts are critical for decision makers and park managers to take timely action and design policy interventions.

References

Jagdish Krishnaswamy, Kamaljit S. Bawa, M.C. Kiran. 2006. Analyzing Effectiveness of Protected Areas in Protecting Forest Biomass. In: Gap analysis for biodiversity conservation in Western Ghats - Project report submitted to Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India.