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 t ownship), is under tremendous pressure. The present study is aimed at analysing the impact of a disturbance on landscape structure using sat ellite remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS). The Lan dsat TM data have been used to identify vegetation types. The patch ch aracteristics of the vegetation types, vis. size, shape, porosity and patch density, have been studied. Physical and manmade features have d ivided the national park into three zones, viz. north, central and sou th. These zones are also utilized as management zones by the Forest De partment. The study indicates that the central zone is distinctly diff erent from the south and north zones. patch size and porosity have bee n 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 pat ches of the zones.