Assessment of Landscape Characteristics and Changes in the Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim Himalaya, India

A significant decline in vegetation cover at lower elevations (1000 to 2500 m) within the Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP), India, has been observed over the past three decades, particularly in areas not protected by buffer forests. This study utilized Remote Sensing and GIS tools, including Landsat ETM+ data, to classify 10 land cover types with 81% accuracy, revealing that snow, rock, and alpine meadows dominate the landscape. FRAGSTATS identified a high number of small patches (mean size 1.2 ha), indicating fragmented landscapes. Watershed-based analysis highlighted regions with greater Himalayan character, marked by high elevation gradients and east-west orientation, while riverine zones were found to be vulnerable to glacial lake outburst floods. The research underscores the need for innovative co-management models, careful utilization of riverine areas, and strengthened buffer zone management to prioritize conservation efforts in high-impact regions.

Krishnamurthy Ramesh, S. T. (2012). Assessment of Landscape Characteristics and Changes in the Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim Himalaya, India. Journal of Geophysics & Remote Sensing, 01(01). https://doi.org/10.4172/2169-0049.1000102