ABSTRACT
Forest degradation increases the possibility of declining the relevant functions expecting from a natural forest system. The changes associated with degradation are exacerbated by disturbances, which may be linked with natural or human-induced or a combination of both. Land surveys are still not appropriate for determining the specific factors of the degradation, long term assessment is needed to be performed to monitor the accurate changes of vegetation and climatic fluctuations. Vegetation indices are used to analyze the greenness of the target based on the reflectance pattern. The field observation in Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) shows that the forest ecosystem is in a stage of degradation. The major disturbances observed are logging, fuelwood collection, grazing, cutting of trees, extraction of medicinal plants, forest plantation, and dependence on Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs).
