ABSTRACT
The Western Ghats is one of the global biodiversity hotspots, which is threatened due to increased anthropogenic impacts such as deforestation, degradation, fragmentation, fires, and biological invasions. Spatial patterns and distributions of anthropogenic influences are still uncertain, which have implications for conservation plans. Therefore, modeling conservation prioritization using ecological models is critical to minimize the negative impacts on biodiversity. In this study, we developed spatial conservation priorities for the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR) in the Western Ghats by integrating extensive field data and remote sensing-based observations. Based on the integrated data, the fragmentation index, disturbance index, and biologically rich areas were generated by the spatial landscape analysis and modeling. The spatially explicit data have indicated varying patterns of biodiversity prioritization across zones, protected areas, and vegetation types. The new knowledge and data that were developed in this study help long-term conservation and management of the NBR.
