Forest fragmentation impacts on phytodiversity - an analysis using remote sensing and GIS.

摘要

The process of forest fragmentation in Vindhyan highlands (India) and its impact on the phytodiversity of the region were investigated using remote sensing data and GIS techniques. Satellite data acquired for fragmentation analyses are as follows: IRS-1D LISS III of December 1998, April 1999 and March 2000. Fragmentation analyses were carried out at 5 locations in the study area: Hathinala, Renukoot, Majhauli, Manasa and Khatabaran village. These locations were chosen so as to represent different levels of anthropogenic pressures expressed in terms of degree of forest fragmentation. Transects were laid out to inventory along different forest patch sizes of various communities to study the biodiversity levels. Analysis showed that biodiversity levels were different in various fragments of different sizes. Small fragments were similar to each other in terms of species composition; similar was the case with large fragments in general. It was also found that the small and large fragments were dissimilar in terms of species composition. The diversity levels among the fragments of similar size varied across the anthropogenic gradient, i.e. through the 5 locations. It is concluded that both small and large fragments should be protected.