LANDSCAPE ECOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF A DISTURBANCE GRADIENT USING GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION-SYSTEM IN THE MADHAV NATIONAL-PARK, MADHYA-PRADESH

The Madhav National Park, due to its unique location (nearest to any township), is under tremendous pressure. The present study is aimed at analysing the impact of a disturbance on landscape structure using satellite remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS). The Landsat TM data have been used to identify vegetation types. The patch characteristics of the vegetation types, vis. size, shape, porosity and patch density, have been studied. Physical and manmade features have divided the national park into three zones, viz. north, central and south. These zones are also utilized as management zones by the Forest Department. The study indicates that the central zone is distinctly different from the south and north zones. patch size and porosity have been found to be the most important parameters determining differences in the ecological states of the three zones of the park. The patchiness and shape also provide supportive information and characterize the patches of the zones.