Prioritization of Ecologically Sensitive Regions at Disaggregated Levels in Dakshina Kannada District, Central Western Ghats

By : T V Ramachandra , Bharath Setturu , Vinay S

Page No: 430-461

Abstract
Ecological sensitivity refers to the permanent and irreversible damage of existing biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem with a considerable erosion in the functional aspects of progression and speciation with the alterations in the ecological integrity of a region. The comprehensive knowledge of the ecological fragility of a region will aid in evolving strategies of conservation. This entails understanding factors responsible for ecological sensitivity, including landscape dynamics, to visualize future transitions to mitigate the problems of haphazard and uncontrolled development approaches. Ecological sensitive regions at disaggregated levels were identified in Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka State, India. The 33% (24 grids) of the area corresponding to 54 villages represents ESR 1, 20% (15 grids) of the area is demarcated as ESR 2 covering 81 villages, 28% (20 grids) of the area encompassing 145 villages shows ESR 3, and 19% area (14 grids) covering 100 villages ESR 4. Regions ESR 1 and ESR 2 indicate high ecological sensitiveness that needs to be protected with stringent conservation measures. ESR 3 denotes a zone of moderate conservation, with scope for structured developmental activities. ESR 4 represents a zone of the least diverse space, with the potential for developmental activities in accordance with the local requirements under stringent regulatory monitoring with vigilance.

Authors :
T V Ramachandra
Energy & Wetlands Research Group, Center for Ecological Sciences [CES], Centre for Sustainable Technologies (astra), Centre for infrastructure, Sustainable Transportation and Urban Planning [CiSTUP], Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka.

Bharath Setturu
Energy & Wetlands Research Group, Center for Ecological Sciences [CES], Bangalore, Karnataka.

Vinay S
Energy & Wetlands Research Group, Center for Ecological Sciences [CES], Bangalore, Karnataka.
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/PROD.2022.62.04.9