An integrated forest threat assessment in Kali Tiger Reserve western ghats using multi-source multi-temporal data (1972–2023)

Pasha, SV and Swarada, B and Manohara, TN and Dadhwal, Vinay Kumar (2026) An integrated forest threat assessment in Kali Tiger Reserve western ghats using multi-source multi-temporal data (1972–2023). Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing. ISSN 0974-3006

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Abstract:	Assessing multiple forest threats through satellite remote sensing datasets helps better understanding of the ecosystem integrity, especially in protected areas (PAs). Such integrated assessments are scarce for the Kali Tiger Reserve (KTR) in the Western Ghats. In this context, this study addressed the major disturbance regimes by combining deforestation (1973–2023), fragmentation (2023), fires (2012–2023), and mono-plantations. Multi-source, multi-temporal satellite datasets, including Landsat series imagery, Sentinel-2A (10 m), topographical maps, decadal Suomi-NPP fire data, and in situ observations, were used for the threat assessment. A hybrid classification (digital and visual) technique was employed to quantify individual threats. Results were visualised at a 1 km2 grid for systematic understanding and identification of various risk zones. About 6.7% of the grids experienced deforestation mainly due to dams and recent landslides, 16.6% by forest fires, 8.9% by mono-plantations, and 78.7% by fragmentation. From the integrated forest risk map, approximately 16% of grids were identified as a very high-risk class, 49.4% under a moderate risk, and 33.4% were classified as low risk. The results were validated through stratified random sampling points across the landscape, field observations, and ancillary data with user accuracy of 0.96 and a Kappa value of 0.92. The proposed methodology offers a replicable framework for prioritizing conservation efforts and ensuring the sustainable management of protected areas.
Item Type:	Journal Paper
Subjects:	School of Natural and Engineering Sciences > Environment
Divisions:	Schools > Natural Sciences and Engineering
Date Deposited:	16 Sep 2026 10:14
Last Modified:	16 Sep 2026 10:14
Official URL:	https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12524-0...
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DOI:	https://doi.org/10.1007/s12524-026-02574-z
URI:	http://eprints.nias.res.in/id/eprint/3457

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