Vegetation analysis and study of its dynamics in Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary (Orissa) using aerospace remote sensing

Changes brought in habitat conditions due to increasing human influences on natural areas have posed serious threat to wildlife. Remote Sensing has probably omerged as one of the most viable techniques to assess and monitor habitat conditions. Comparative analysis of maps of two-time period can provide authentic data with respect to changes brought in the habitat conditions. Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary, covering an area of 213.71 sq. km in Orissa is one of the natural reserves of elephants which has undergone serious changes brought in through anthropogenic activities of urban areas of Cuttack and Bhubaneshwar lying within the proximity of the sanctuary. The natural reserve, an ideal habitat for elephants, was connected to neighbouring extensive forest belts. These connections have been either degraded or deforested over the years. The present study analyses the types of habitat available in the sanctuary using remote sensing data (aerial and satellite). Vegetation-type maps of 1975 have been prepared from B/W aerial photographs of 1:25,000 scale. For assessing the current vegetation types, maps have been prepared from Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (LISS II) false colour composite on 1:50,000 scale. Comparative evaluation of the maps indicates changes in the vegetation pattern, increase in mining and agriculture areas within the sanctuary. Stratified field sampling of vegetation types provide structural characteristics of the vegetation. Bamboo has been found to extend in the valleys and side slopes of the sanctuary area during past 15 years. An analysis on response of vegetation in all major vegetation types mapped have been made in the context of the invasion of Eupatorium odoratum. Finally, bamboo biomass has been assessed through stratified random sampling as it constitutes a major elephant food source.