Visualization and Prediction of Landscape Dynamics in the Protected Areas of Karnataka

Protected areas are locations with the exceptional natural, cultural and ecological values and needs to be protected to ensure sustainable management and conservation of biodiversity. In India, there are 733 protected areas recognized by the Government which includes 103 National Parks, 537 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 26 Community Reserves and 67 Conservation Reservesto conserve biodiversity and to safeguard social, cultural,economic, ecological and health benefits. The protected areas will have reduced human activities which helps in conservation of flora and fauna of the region. Bandipur National Park (BANP) and Biligiri Ranganatha Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve in southern Karnataka (Chamarajanagar, Mysore district) are considered to understand status and transition of forest cover at temporal scale. Bandipur National Park is considered one of the most beautiful National Parks of India, dominated by deciduous forest followed by scrub forest. BANP is blessed with many floral and faunal species some of which are endemic to the region (best known for large mammals). BRT Tiger reserve is at a height of 5091 ft. above sea level with crest and troughs and has variable climatic condition which makes it suitable for diverse of flora and fauna. BRT Tiger reserve is the connector between Western and Eastern Ghats. Both the protected areas have a large population of tiger and elephant. Human-animal conflict is high in case of BANP. Both the protected areas face a major problem of frequent forest fire which is either natural or man-made. These fires burn huge amount of forest and affect the biodiversity of the region. Some of the other problems in these protected areas are deforestation activities, invasion of exotic weeds, poaching activities, encroachment to increase the agricultural areas, grazing of cattle within the protected area, illegal logging of wood, increased population in the protected area, etc. The main objective of the study is to understand the landscape dynamics in the study area and predict the likely changes which can occur by 2026 using CA-Markov model. This will help in creating an appropriate conservation measures which can be site specific by involving all the stake holders