Geospatial modelling techniques for rapid assessment of phytodiversity at landscape level in western Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh

The mountainous state of Himachal Pradesh is known for its vast natural wealth, including forests, alpine meadows, rivers and valleys endowed with a rich array of life forms. However, this biodiversity hot spot is under great peril owing to human-induced disturbance factors. The findings on spatial representation of the habitat at a scale which can be used for conservation planning and rehabilitation are lacking. In this study IRS-1D, LISS-III sensor data have been used to assess the vegetation coupling with RS and GIS techniques in the state. This communication presents an approach for rapid assessment of biodiversity at landscape level using satellite remote sensing, phytosociological data and knowledge base in geospatial model. The geospatial analyses at the landscape level reveal that most of the fertile valleys of the region are occupied by the human activities and possess very low bio-richness. Inverse relationship has been observed with disturbance at landscape level vis-à-vis phytodiversity or richness of the vegetation type/habitat.