Estimation of Forests Degradation in the Tiger Corridor of Rajasthan, India: In the Context of Land Use Change and Local Sustainability

Global deforestation continues at an alarming rate in 2015–2020. According to UNEP, ten million hectares of forest are diverted to other land uses every year, which is roughly the size of Iceland. Forests are home to many flora and fauna species, and the ecosystem provides provisional, ancillary, regulation, and cultural services. The aim of this study is to assess forest cover changes in the Tiger Corridor of Rajasthan using satellite imagery and climate data. A supervised classification was performed on two multi-temporal satellite imageries, and a total of six major land use and land cover (LULC) classes were identified and mapped. Using post-classification techniques, it is noted that the forest cover (dense forest + shrubland) has decreased from 2673.92 to 2289.106 km2, respectively, from 2000 to 2020. NDVI analysis was performed on these images, and it was noted that there was no significant difference between NDVI classification and supervised classification of images. SAVI and RDVI classifications have also been used to check vegetation accuracy. Ultimately, the results indicate that from 2000 to 2020, forest cover was reduced by 384.814 km2 which is about 24.48%. The correlation coefficient of NDVI and climatic factors were also explored to examine the relationship between changes in climate and vegetation. The result shows that there is a very positive relationship between climate change and vegetation change. This outcome contributes to sustainability and regional environmental management for all stakeholders for Tiger Corridor. Eventually, the research focuses on the role of forest ecosystem services in the social-ecological inclusion of Ranthambhore areas, which is possible through cultural ecosystem services, maximum public participation, development of indigenous community and as well as restoration of the wildlife corridor and sustainable planning. The result of this study will aid in the formulation of forest resource management, land use plans as well as corridor conservation actions, all of which will contribute to the region's long-term wildlife sustainability.