Abstract:
Landscape changes as well as the distribution of biodiversity are phenomena with strong spatial
correlates. Since India is identified as one of the 12-mega biodiversity countries in the world, this task is
of great significance. In this respect the Biodiveristy Characterization at Landscape Level for India is a
milestone in biodiversity study. A spatial model incorporating ground based biodiversity attributes of the
landscape elements, land use change patterns, disturbance regimes of the landscape and terrain
complexity have been used to delineate the spatial pattern of biological richness. Recent developments in
remote-sensing (RS) technology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Multicriteria Spatial
Decision Support System (MC-SDSS) allow the use of a landscape ecology and spatial analysis approach
to the problem of deforestation and biodiversity conservation in India. It includes analyses of land-cover
and land use change; estimation of deforestation rates and rates of forest fragmentation; modelling of
deforestation (GEOMOD2); analysis of the consequences of land-cover and land-use change in the form
of climate change and change in distribution of biodiversity; gap analysis of the effectiveness of the
protected area network in conserving areas of importance for biodiversity conservation; and conservation
planning.
The study highlighted the usefulness of geospatial approach for decision making and implementation of
biodiversity conservation and thereby to achieve sustainable development of natural resources. This
approach will facilitate conservation prioritization, systematic inventory and continuous monitoring
