Construction and optimization of ecological security pattern in Ebinur Lake Basin based on MSPA-MCR models

Spatial heterogeneity for urban built-up footprint and its characterization using microwave remote sensing

Distribution mapping of Bauhinia vahlii Wight & Arn. in India using ecological niche modelling

Abstract This study highlights the land use/land cover change, and its implications on the long-term changes in various hydrometeorological parameters in India during 2001–2018. The study exhibited a decrease in grassland (15.1%), barren land (10.2%), and shrubland (9.5%) in contrast to an increase in deciduous broadleaf forest cover (27.4%) and croplands (25.2%) in India. The study exhibited 31.7% of the geographical area observed a low warming (<0.8 °C), in contrast to 52.1% of the area observed a low cooling (> −0.8 °C) in India over the observation period. The transformation of (a) barren land to shrubland and cropland (Western India) and (b) cropland, and grassland to forest cover (Central India) led to the cooling effects. While Indo-Gangetic Plain and North-Eastern parts observed warming effects due to greenness and wetness change. The findings highlight the relevance of bio-geophysical and land-climate feedback, which may help in developing integrated and effective climate mitigation and adaptation strategies.

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Measuring the control of landscape modifications on surface temperature in India

The study examined the spatial pattern of tree diversity, their population structure, regeneration status, and impacts of ecological disturbances on forest structure in 412 forested grids in tropical deciduous forests of Central India using the belt transect method. The study recorded a total of 123 tree species of which 48 (39%) were IUCN‐red listed, with species diversity and evenness indices of 3.41 and 0.71, respectively. Tree species richness ranged from 01 to 31 species with a mean of 10 species ±0.26 SE. The total tree density was moderate (228 ind. ha−1), and a significant (p < .05) weak positive correlation (r2 = .307) was observed with tree diversity. The highest density to the total tree population was contributed by seedlings (10,345 ind. ha−1) followed by saplings (3428 ind. ha−1) and adults (228 ind. ha−1), which indicated a good regeneration status of the tree populations in studied forested grids. On the contrary, grazing (53.2%) was the major recurrent ecological disturbance followed by fuelwood collection (23.1%), forest fire (20.6%), and NTFPs collection (19.4%). There is a significant impact of disturbance frequency (recurrent, occasional, or undisturbed) on tree species richness (F2,804 = 55.83, p < .001), density (F2,804 = 50.36, p < .001), and dominance (F2,804 = 11.14, p < .001). The vital baseline information gathered in this study will be helpful in formulating forest management strategies to conserve the highly diverse tropical deciduous forests in Central India.

Spatial pattern of tree diversity and impacts of ecological disturbances on forest structure in tropical deciduous forests of Central India

The study aimed to determine the above-ground biomass (AGB) of tropical deciduous forests in Central India using field-based techniques and spaceborne quad-pol ALOS PALSAR-2 L-band and dual-pol Sen...

Effect of vegetation structure on above ground biomass in tropical deciduous forests of Central India

Climate change is one of the most complex global environmental problems, impacting the physical and biological systems of aquatic, terrestrial and marine environments. India is among one of the most vulnerable countries that has already been experiencing changes in climate and the impacts of climate change. Various sectors such as agriculture, forestry, health, socio-economy, etc. have found to be severely affected by the implications of climate change in the country. Significant impacts over the forest ecosystems, global biodiversity and ecosystem integrity have also been observed in recent days. Apart from reduction in forest productivity, a shift in the forest type boundaries along altitudinal and rainfall gradients have been found. Loss of sea ice, rapid warming, and higher organic inputs affect marine and lake productivity, while combined impacts of wildfire and insect outbreaks decrease forest productivity. All these emerging uncertainties due to climate change have found to aggravate the problems of future food security within the country. Despite putting numerous efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change, India has failed in responding sufficiently in dealing the issue of climate change. Thus, it is imperative to come up with more effective adaptation and mitigation strategies in order to combat the effects of climate change.

Gajendra Kumar

Papers

Effect of vegetation structure on above ground biomass in tropical deciduous forests of Central India

Climate Change Impacts and Implications: An Indian Perspective