Use of geospatial technology in evaluating landscape cover type changes in Chandoli National Park, India

Monitoring changes in landscape cover types has been a great concern for forest and wildlife managers. Both managers find it very important to know how much area is suitable for wildlife species and what areas are affected due to anthropogenic pressure. To address these concerns, evaluation of Chandoli National Park was done to see the changes that have taken place over the past 28 years. The National Park is situated in India lying within 17 04' 00" N to 17 19' 54" N and 73 40' 43" E to 73 53' 09" E. Remotely sensed data procured from satellite IRS-P6, LISS-III (2005) was used. The satellite data was digitally processed and collateral data were generated from topographic maps. The comparative analysis of topographic-map and imagery of 1977 and 2005 revealed that 120.9 km of evergreen forest has been lost during 28 years. Contrary to this an increase of 51.15 km in scrubland and 64.19 km in grasslands were noted. Furthermore, forest cover and land use maps of the study area were prepared from satellite data using supervised maximum likelihood classification technique. The study reveals that Park supports diversified habitats of scrubland (27.47%), grassland (20.13%), rejuvenated (22.17%) and evergreen forest (16.07%). The diversified cover types and improvement in forest density has made the Park suitable for wild animals than the previous one when it was not declared as protected area. The study advocates that if a forest area is protected and conserved from anthropogenic pressure may become more suitable for wild animals.