Abstract
Spatially explicit approach is essential to prioritise the ecosystems for biodiversity conservation. In the present study, the conservation status of 20 protected areas of the Western Ghats of Kerala, India, was analysed based on long-term changes in forests (1975–1985–1995–2005–2013), landscape level changes in fragmentation and forest fires (2005–2015). This study has shown that a significant forest loss occurred in protected areas before declaration. Idukki is one of the major protected areas which showed a drastic reduction (18.83%) in its forest cover. During 1985–1995, Periyar tiger reserve had lost 24.19 km2 core 3 forest area followed by Peppara (18.54 km2), Parambikulam (17.93 km2), Chimmony (17.71 km2), Peechi-Vazhani (12.31 km2) and Neyyar (11.67 km2). An area of 71.33 km2 of the protected area was affected by fires in 2014. Overall protected area-wise decadal analysis indicates Periyar has the highest number of fire incidences followed by Wayanad, Kurinjimala, Silent Valley and Eravikulam. Disturbances in the form of fires and fragmentation still exist and may have significant conservation threat to flora and fauna. Among protected areas, many are having a probability to go under threat or dynamic stage. Chinnar, Thattekkad and Kurinjimala sanctuaries are representing high levels of vulnerability, or they are near to decline stage. Habitat level monitoring of the anthropogenic disturbances can be efficiently useful for the strategic conservation planning. The present study has provided geospatial database on spatial patterns of deforestation, fragmentation and forest fires in protected areas of Kerala. Conservation prioritization approach based on these parameters will be useful for the strategic planning in the state of Kerala.
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Acknowledgements
The present work has been carried out under the national project ‘Inventorisation and Monitoring of Biosphere Reserves in India using remote sensing and GIS technology’, funded by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. Authors are thankful to Director, NRSC, Deputy Director, NRSC, and Group Director, Forestry and Ecology Group, NRSC, for encouragement, and Forest department of Kerala for permission and facilities to carry out the field work. Thanks to anonymous reviewers for their critical comments for the improvement of the manuscript.
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Athira, K., Reddy, C.S., Saranya, K.R.L. et al. Habitat monitoring and conservation prioritisation of protected areas in Western Ghats, Kerala, India. Environ Monit Assess 189, 295 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-017-5998-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-017-5998-z