Degradation of Tropical Evergreen Forests in Mokokchung, Nagaland, India

摘要

This study attempts to evaluate the directionality of the changes and to quantify the dynamics of forest in the Mokokchung district of Nagaland between 1991 and 1996 using satellite remote sensing data and GIS. The approach considers forest cover and canopy density within the mapping unit. The successional stages of forest in a shifting cultivation landscape have been mapped using on-screen visual interpretation of digital data of Landsat TM. It is established that dense forests are converted into medium density, open and mosaic forests and the well-stocked forests are being replaced by mosaics and fragmented forests annually at a rate of 8.43 km~2 per year. The shortening of rotation cycle of Mosaics- Non-Forest, Natural Vegetation- Mosaic conclusively supports the earlier views that jhum cycle has been reduced and current land use practices are not allowing large forest areas to recover. Therefore, immediate steps for sustainable management of forests and effective implementation of forest conservation act are needed to safeguard the area from on-going ecological threats and degradation.