Journal of Forestry Research

, Volume 25, Issue 2, pp 281–290 | Cite as

Integrated approach for understanding spatio-temporal changes in forest resource distribution in the central Himalaya

  • A. K. Joshi
  • P. K. Joshi
  • T. Chauhan
  • Brijmohan Bairwa
Original Paper
First Online:
Received:
Accepted:

Abstract

Intense anthropogenic exploitation has altered distribution of forest resources. This change was analyzed using visual interpretation of satellite data of 1979, 1999 and 2009. Field and interactive social surveys were conducted to identify spatial trends in forest degradation and data were mapped on forest cover and land use maps. Perceptions of villagers were compiled in a pictorial representation to understand changes in forest resource distribution in central Himalaya from 1970 to 2010. Forested areas were subject to degradation and isolation due to loss of connecting forest stands. Species like Lantana camara and Eupatorium adenophorum invaded forest landscapes. Intensity of human pressure differed by forest type and elevation. An integrated approach is needed to monitor forest resource distribution and disturbance.

Keywords

characterization forest central Himalaya integrated approach distribution spatio-temporal 
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Copyright information

© Northeast Forestry University and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2014

Authors and Affiliations

  • A. K. Joshi
    • 1
  • P. K. Joshi
    • 1
  • T. Chauhan
    • 1
  • Brijmohan Bairwa
    • 1
  1. 1.TERI UniversityNew DelhiIndia

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