| Abstrakt: |
Globally, the biological invasion has been considered a major driver of biodiversity loss. Studies on the invasive species spatial extent, dynamics and its effects on LULC are currently scarce. In this context, we assessed the invasive dynamics of Prosopis juliflora in Kachchh Biosphere Reserve (KBR) using multi-temporal, multi-sensor satellite data and identified invasion trends using a spatial pattern mining tool. We identified statistically significant trends in the spatial distribution of Mesquite. Results revealed P. juliflora as an aggressive colonizer which has formed distinct scrub thickets. Currently, it occupies an area of 1363.5 km2 with 1.3% of annual spread rate. Overall, 60.7% area increment was identified under Prosopis. The majority of invasion hotspots are concentrated in the buffer zone (50.1%) and transition zone (37.4%). Spatial trends indicate the prevalence of sporadic Hotspot subsequently, intensifying, consecutive and new hotspots. All BR zones are experiencing severe ecological threats from this noxious mesquite. The generated information can serve as baseline input for conservation planners and managers for systematic planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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