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

• Published in: Journal of forestry research Vol. 25; no. 2; pp. 281 - 290
• Main Authors: Joshi, A. K, Joshi, P. K, Chauhan, T, Bairwa, Brijmohan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer-Verlag 01.06.2014; Springer Berlin Heidelberg; TERI University, New Delhi 110 070, India
• Subjects: Ageratina adenophora; Biomedical and Life Sciences; forest resources; forest stands; forest types; Forestry; land cover; land use; Lantana camara; Life Sciences; Original Paper; 中央; 喜马拉雅; 土地利用图; 数据可视化; 时空变化; 森林资源; 森林退化; 资源分布; forest; central Himalaya; distribution; characterization; integrated approach; spatio-temporal; integrated ap-proach
• ISSN: 1007-662X; 1993-0607
• DOI: 10.1007/s11676-014-0459-9

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. For- ested areas were subject to degradation and isolation due to loss of con- necting 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.