Landscape characterization of a semi-arid region in Rajasthan using geo-spatial tools
Student name: Ms Sheena Narula
Guide: Dr P K Joshi
Year of completion: 2010
Host Organisation: TERI University
Abstract: Land cover refers to the physical characteristics of the earth’s surface such as the distribution of vegetation, water, soil and other physical features. Land use on the other hand refers to the way in which land has been used by humans. With the growth in socio-economic activities, the rate and intensity of LULC changes has increased considerably during the past couple of decades. These changes in landscape are usually brought about by a combination of natural and human influences, each of which operates at different spatial and temporal scales. Information on LULC changes gives overall perspective of landscape characteristics. This information can be used to monitor the changes in forested areas and natural resources and can be used to delineate potential conservation areas and can serve in effective management of ecologically fragile landscapes. In the present study geo-spatial tools in conjunction with ecological niche modeling have been used to characterize the landscape of a semi-arid region in Rajasthan. This was done by mapping the land cover for two time periods, 1989 and 2000, identifying the magnitude as well as the direction of change by change detection technique and then quantifying the landscape structure using landscape metrics. The various metrics used in the study include Class area (CA), Number of patches (NP), Interspersion and Juxtaposition Index (IJI), Aggregation Index (AI), Fractal Dimension, Landscape shape index etc. Out of all the indices used, CA, IJI, AI, and nLSI were found to be most useful in analyzing the landscape since they quantify the composition as well the configuration of the landscape. Ecological niche modeling was performed using GARP to see the potential spread of Prosopis juliflora and Adhatoda vasica. The results showed that the forest area has increased from 1989 to 2000 indicating better management practices. Invasion by P. juliflora and A. vasica was found throughout the reserve but was more restricted to Salar and Dhok-Khair (open) forest indicating increased human intervention in these Forests.
