CHANGE DETECTION OF MONTANE (SHOLA) FOREST-GRASSLAND USING LANDSCAPE METRICS OF CHIKKAMAGALURU DISTRICT, WESTERN GHATS

Abstract

The tropical montane ecosystems of the Western Ghats, India, are globally recognized biodiversity hotspots that provide critical ecological services. However, in recent years, climate change and anthropogenic activities have increasingly threatened them. This study examines land use and land cover (LULC) changes in the Montane (Shola) Forest-Grassland ecosystems of Chikkamagaluru District from 2003 to 2020 using multi-temporal geospatial techniques and landscape ecology metrics. Classified satellite images revealed a net increase in dense forest (3.81%) and moderately dense forest (9.53%), accompanied by a substantial decline in open forest (-83.19%) and agricultural land (-27.52%). Landscape metrics, including edge density, patch number, fractal dimension index, and effective mesh size, demonstrated increased fragmentation and reduced connectivity, driven by factors such as encroachment, tourism infrastructure expansion, grazing, fire, and the spread of invasive species. While afforestation and natural regeneration have contributed to increased forest cover, habitat continuity has been compromised, leading to ecological instability. The study highlights the urgent need for integrated conservation planning, incorporating ecological and socioeconomic data to mitigate forest fragmentation and promote sustainable land management. Findings provide a scientific foundation for policymakers and conservation practitioners to implement targeted restoration strategies, emphasizing the importance of protecting high-altitude montane ecosystems from unsustainable development.