Robert Zomer
Center for Spatial Technologies and Remote Sensing (CSTARS)
Ecology Graduate Group
University of California
Davis, CA, 95616, USA
rjzomer@ucdavis.edu
Abstract
The Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area (MBNPCA) of eastern
Nepal (87°00’ E, 27°30’ N) is an ecologically rich mountain wilderness
surrounded by a conservation buffer area supporting about 32,000 subsistence
agriculturalists. The MBNPCA faces challenges that are common to many
parks in the lesser developed countries, specifically integrating the often
conflicting demands of land use, ecological conservation and resource protection.
Like many reserves, managers and policy makers lack reliable resource data.
Rapid ecological assessment (REA) and land use and land cover change analyses
are essential for park management and conservation efforts. Assessment
is limited by the remote and mountainous terrain. A comprehensive methodology
combining ecological fieldwork and information technologies was employed
that would expand data sources for conservation management.
MBNPCA tropical riparian zone forests were separated into five community
types, within three major forest formations by Two Way Indicator Species
(TWINSPAN) Analysis. Elevation, slope-position, aspect, and anthropogenic
use-levels showed significant correspondence (p < 0.05) with species
composition, based upon canonical correspondence analysis (CCA).
Satellite images for photogrammetric stereo-mapping and digital elevation
model (DEM) extraction were evaluated. The DEM was compared to a conventionally
digitized GIS dataset (median disagreement = 58m). The DEM was used to
produce derivative landscape analysis outputs that compared well with the
conventional datasets. New map products useful for improving field research
and mapping efficiency were an orthorectified satellite base map and a
land cover map using fused high spatial and spectral resolution images.
Low elevation riparian corridors are essential for biodiversity conservation. Land
use along these corridors was examined over a twenty-year interval. Extent,
fragmentation, and land use changes were analyzed within the context of
the interaction between forest and farm. Analysis of 1972-1992 change showed
about 7,000 ha. of low elevation forests, with little change in overall
extent. A net loss of 11% was estimated for all forest types in all land
use categories. The dynamic nature of the landuse and farming system was
clearly demonstrated.
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