This study examines land cover change and fire patterns within the Bay of Jiquilisco Reserve mangrove forest region of El Salvador between 2001-2015. Satellite imagery analysis shows a decrease in forest cover and an increase in water cover within the Monte Cristo mangrove subset between 2002-2014. Few fires were detected in the region, though some occurred at the forest-agriculture interface, indicating fire may be used for deforestation. Overall fire patterns in El Salvador correlate with agricultural and wooded areas. Community management of the reserve lands may contribute to lower fire frequency within the mangroves compared to surrounding areas.
1. The document analyzes land cover change in the Trifinio region, a protected area spanning Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador using satellite imagery from 2000-2015.
2. Preliminary results found land cover changes from forest to bare soil from 2005-2010 which coincided with a severe drought, and forests recovered by 2015.
3. Future research could create new land cover classifications to better detect forest variation over time and assess the effectiveness of each country's conservation policies in the transnational region.
Analysis of the rate of change of mangrove forest ecosystem in calabar south,...Alexander Decker
This document summarizes a study on the rate of change of mangrove forests in Calabar South, Nigeria between 1970 and 2011. The study analyzed multi-temporal image data from 1970, 1986, and 2011 to map changes in mangrove area over time. It also examined the number and volume of mangrove trees exploited by local communities. The results showed that the rate of mangrove area change was -2.75 km2 between 1970-1990 and -32.12 km2 between 1991-2011. The area of Nypa palm, an invasive species, increased from 3.04 km2 between 1970-1990 to 31.86 km2 between 1991-2011. On average, 6225 mangrove trees were exploited annually,
Species Diversity and Above-ground Carbon Stock Assessments in Selected Mangr...Innspub Net
Mangrove ecosystems are known for being the rainforest of the sea. Philippines is bestowed with this naturally rich mangrove ecosystem with diverse floral and faunal species. Despite this natural abundance, mangrove ecosystems are subjected to natural and human induced degradations specifically conversion to fish shrimp ponds that resulted in diminution aside from its effect on terrestrial and oceanic carbon cycling and could also affect its important role in terms of terrestrial and oceanic carbon cycling. This study is conducted to determine
the mangrove diversity, distribution and the above-ground biomass and C-stocks in Glan and Malapatan, Sarangani Province. Purposive sampling is implemented in establishing the plots on both sites. Results show eight (8) mangrove species belonging to four (4) families are observed in both areas. Data also reveal that the mangrove ecosystem in Glan Padidu, Glan is undisturbed. Rhizophora apiculata and Sonneratia alba are found to be dominant on the two sites. Because of the large tree girths and high density of species observed on the studied areas, both forests have the potential to sequester and store large amount of atmospheric carbon. Thus, this study quantifies mangrove tree biomass in view of carbon trading as significant in lessening the effects of global warming.
Droughts in the drylands of northwestern Nigeria negatively impact smallholder farming communities. The study analyzed rainfall data from 1952-2013 to identify drought patterns in Dawakin Tofa and Rimi. It found periods of severe and extreme drought, especially in Rimi. The droughts were associated with deteriorating vegetation, drying water sources, and degraded soils. The study interviewed farmers to identify their drought coping strategies, such as adjusting diets, obtaining relief aid, and replanting. While these strategies provided some resilience, the study recommended enhancing them and incorporating additional strategies like obtaining drought forecasts and agricultural insurance.
This document summarizes a study of chelonian species in the Delta do Jacuí State Park in Brazil. Four chelonian species were found, including the Orbigny's slider turtle which made up 66% of captures. Species occupied different habitat types, from permanent wetlands to temporary and human-influenced areas. The main threats were determined to be habitat destruction, fragmentation, and pollution from human activities.
This document summarizes a study that evaluated the impact of a cloud forest in Central America on the local water balance using a semi-distributed hydrological model. Four forested catchments near La Tigra National Park in Honduras were instrumented to measure rainfall and stream discharge over one year. One catchment was primarily cloud forest while the others had little to no cloud forest. The model simulated daily streamflow well. Analysis showed that despite similar geology, the cloud forest catchment had less plant-available water and greater groundwater recharge, resulting in four times more runoff per area than the other catchments, highlighting the importance of cloud forests for sustaining water supplies.
1. The document analyzes land cover change in the Trifinio region, a protected area spanning Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador using satellite imagery from 2000-2015.
2. Preliminary results found land cover changes from forest to bare soil from 2005-2010 which coincided with a severe drought, and forests recovered by 2015.
3. Future research could create new land cover classifications to better detect forest variation over time and assess the effectiveness of each country's conservation policies in the transnational region.
Analysis of the rate of change of mangrove forest ecosystem in calabar south,...Alexander Decker
This document summarizes a study on the rate of change of mangrove forests in Calabar South, Nigeria between 1970 and 2011. The study analyzed multi-temporal image data from 1970, 1986, and 2011 to map changes in mangrove area over time. It also examined the number and volume of mangrove trees exploited by local communities. The results showed that the rate of mangrove area change was -2.75 km2 between 1970-1990 and -32.12 km2 between 1991-2011. The area of Nypa palm, an invasive species, increased from 3.04 km2 between 1970-1990 to 31.86 km2 between 1991-2011. On average, 6225 mangrove trees were exploited annually,
Species Diversity and Above-ground Carbon Stock Assessments in Selected Mangr...Innspub Net
Mangrove ecosystems are known for being the rainforest of the sea. Philippines is bestowed with this naturally rich mangrove ecosystem with diverse floral and faunal species. Despite this natural abundance, mangrove ecosystems are subjected to natural and human induced degradations specifically conversion to fish shrimp ponds that resulted in diminution aside from its effect on terrestrial and oceanic carbon cycling and could also affect its important role in terms of terrestrial and oceanic carbon cycling. This study is conducted to determine
the mangrove diversity, distribution and the above-ground biomass and C-stocks in Glan and Malapatan, Sarangani Province. Purposive sampling is implemented in establishing the plots on both sites. Results show eight (8) mangrove species belonging to four (4) families are observed in both areas. Data also reveal that the mangrove ecosystem in Glan Padidu, Glan is undisturbed. Rhizophora apiculata and Sonneratia alba are found to be dominant on the two sites. Because of the large tree girths and high density of species observed on the studied areas, both forests have the potential to sequester and store large amount of atmospheric carbon. Thus, this study quantifies mangrove tree biomass in view of carbon trading as significant in lessening the effects of global warming.
Droughts in the drylands of northwestern Nigeria negatively impact smallholder farming communities. The study analyzed rainfall data from 1952-2013 to identify drought patterns in Dawakin Tofa and Rimi. It found periods of severe and extreme drought, especially in Rimi. The droughts were associated with deteriorating vegetation, drying water sources, and degraded soils. The study interviewed farmers to identify their drought coping strategies, such as adjusting diets, obtaining relief aid, and replanting. While these strategies provided some resilience, the study recommended enhancing them and incorporating additional strategies like obtaining drought forecasts and agricultural insurance.
This document summarizes a study of chelonian species in the Delta do Jacuí State Park in Brazil. Four chelonian species were found, including the Orbigny's slider turtle which made up 66% of captures. Species occupied different habitat types, from permanent wetlands to temporary and human-influenced areas. The main threats were determined to be habitat destruction, fragmentation, and pollution from human activities.
This document summarizes a study that evaluated the impact of a cloud forest in Central America on the local water balance using a semi-distributed hydrological model. Four forested catchments near La Tigra National Park in Honduras were instrumented to measure rainfall and stream discharge over one year. One catchment was primarily cloud forest while the others had little to no cloud forest. The model simulated daily streamflow well. Analysis showed that despite similar geology, the cloud forest catchment had less plant-available water and greater groundwater recharge, resulting in four times more runoff per area than the other catchments, highlighting the importance of cloud forests for sustaining water supplies.
The rural-urban socioecological transformation of Mediterranean mountain areas under global change. Local studies in Olzinelles and Matadepera (Barcelona Metropolitan Region)
Do fine-scale factors shape the use of riparian galleries by carnivores in a ...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
Abstract— Riparian galleries are key structural elements of Mediterranean landscapes and their importance for carnivores has been widely demonstrated. However, humanization of the landscape has led to their degradation with consequences not fully understood. In this study we assessed the response of mesocarnivores to the fine-scale variation in the quality of a riparian gallery (Vale do Cobrão stream, central Portugal), evaluated on the basis of the QBR index (‘Qualitat del Bosc de Ribera’ in spanish) and an adaptation of the same considering mesocarnivore ecological requirements. These were represented through four parameters that could influence habitat quality for these species, namely refuge (total riparian cover, cover structure), disturbance and food availability. For the latter we considered the known main food resources for Mediterranean mesocarnivores: small mammals, lagomorphs, insects and fruits. Mesocarnivore use was evaluated through camera-trapping and sign surveys. For both indexes a concordance was observed between quality variation and its use by carnivores, and we also found a positive correlation between both indexes. The adapted QBR, being more laborious but also more realistic, could serve as guidance for conservation practice at the local scale, benefiting both land managers environmentally concerned, conservation practitioners and carnivore populations inhabiting humanized landscapes. However, for spatially wider approaches the original QBR proved to be a good indicator for the presence of mesocarnivores, being useful in the development of restauration or conservation strategies, as well as for research and monitoring activities of carnivore guilds.
Flood risk in urban centers across the Philippines is increasing due to changes in ecological and hydrological processes. Both global and local drivers are intensifying these changes. Climate change is triggering an increase in hydro-meteorological hazards. Local land cover degradation, urbanization, conversion of floodplains and inappropriate hydro infrastructures have all increased our vulnerability to hydrological hazards.
In order to design appropriate responses the role and function of riparian ecosystems in regulation of flood is required to be understood not only in both spatial and temporal contexts, but also in socio cultural and economic contexts. This paper will look at emerging evidence based approaches from landscape ecology and ecohydrology to develop community driven low cost interventions that can better understand and measure land use degradation and direct land use management actions that can aid sustainable flood risk reduction.
Diversity and species composition of mangroves species in Pilar, Siargao Isla...Innspub Net
Mangroves are considered as the most significant components of the coastal ecosystem and among the most productive and biologically complex ecosystems on the planet. Assessment of mangrove species plays a critical role in the preservation and protection of the mangroves forest. The study aimed to assess the mangrove species in Pilar, Siargao Island. The belt transect was employed with a dimension of modified 10 m x 12 m and was installed per quadrat. Eight mangrove species were identified under four families, and these are B. sexanguela, C. decandra, R. apiculata, R. mucronata, A. alba, A. marina, L. littorea, and X. granatum. One species, C. decandra is categorized by the IUCN as a near-threatened state. Results from the mangroves vegetation structure show that R. apiculata got the highest relative frequency (26.32%), density (35.46%), and dominance (55.08%) therefore; it has the highest importance value (116.85%). This further implies that R. apiculata is the most important and acclimated mangrove species in the study area. The species diversity in Pilar, Siargao Island falls under very low diversity (H’=1.63) which might be attributed to some human-related disturbances. Thus, further consideration in future planning and conservation to increase the resiliency of the mangrove ecosystem is needed.
Water-related bird assemblages in an urban pond ‘archipelago’: Winter pattern...Maria Paola Di Santo
This study reports on the patterns of species occurrence, abundance and richness of a wintering water-related bird assemblage in an ‘archipelago’ of 70 small artificial urban ponds (AUPs) embedded in a metropolitan landscape (Rome, central Italy). A total of 20 species in 26 AUPs were sampled. Only the largest AUPs (>0.1 ha) contained all these species, except for Gallinula chloropus. The highest total mean species abundance was observed in the largest ponds, with statistically significant differences evident among size classes. Two significant spatial thresholds in species abundance and richness were observed (between 0.01 and 0.1 ha; between 0.1 and 1 ha in size). The abundance of single species was correlated with their frequency of occurrence. Ponds in urban areas must be larger than 0.1 ha to host a rich winter assemblage of birds, with a further increase in richness noted with a surface area larger than 1 ha. The highest number of species was observed in the larger ponds (>1 ha). The species richness of each AUP is directly correlated to their size (log-transformed species–area relationship: log S = 3.515 + 0.497 log A; R2 = 0.76). Further research should be conducted to confirm these patterns and to implement information useful for planning and management of artificial ponds in urban areas for this purpose.
Analyses of Community Attributes of Meiofauna Under A Pollution Regime in the...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
— Meiofauna community attributes of the lower Bonny estuary was investigated under a pollution regime. This is germane because of the strategic importance of meiofauna in the food chain and the sustenance of any aquatic ecosystem. Five stations representing diverse land based activities such as refuse dump site, fuel depot, fishing-landing areas, residential housing and a station located upstream (control) were chosen for investigation. The meiofauna samples were collected from sediments in three replicate spots per station per sampling months at low tide. Sediment samples were stirred through (63-212nm) meshes to separate meiofauna and organic debris. Meiofauna samples were processed by first washing Meiofauna through a sieve of fine mesh size made of silk material, in order to wash off formation and excess silt or mud. Meiofauna samples were sorted out and identified using standard keys. Result from field studies indicate that meiofauna population abundance and diversity varied slightly between stations and seasons. There was however, no established trend. Meiofauna were generally more abundant in the rainy season than in the dry season. In general, pollution indicator meiofaunal taxa were more in all stations except the control station; the increasing impact of pollutants in the river led to a rise in the relative abundance of r-strategist genera like Chromadora. We conclude that the application of meiofaunal indices can be a useful tool for assessing the environmental quality of estuarine ecosystems.
The document discusses environmental zoning for biodiversity conservation in Lawaan, Eastern Samar, Philippines. It analyzed the area's biodiversity using ecological and social criteria through surveys and GIS mapping. Three zones were identified - very critical, critical, and less critical - based on biodiversity index values across elevation gradients. The study found that concentric zoning could lead to lower elevation extinction, and proposed environmental zoning as a new biodiversity conservation paradigm for the area.
This case study will focus on peri-urban agriculture in France as a way to analyze tensions over soil use and different understandings of soil quality. Peri-urban agriculture represents nearly 30% of agricultural land in France and faces challenges from urban expansion consuming hectares of land. The case study will investigate soil quality management strategies through interviews with 25-30 stakeholders in the region, including farmers, experts, and administrators. It will identify issues, current management approaches, and stakeholder objectives to develop a comprehensive and sustainable strategy for improving total soil quality in the region while balancing conflicting uses.
Land use/ land cover classification and change detection mapping: A case stud...AI Publications
The study attempts to determine the land use/land cover expansion that occurred in the area over a period of thirty years. Multi temporal Landsat satellite images TM 1986, ETM+ 2001, 2006 and 2018 from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) website as primary dataset. Area of interest was clipped in ArcGIS environment and then enhanced and classified in ENVI. Using supervised classification algorithm, the images were classified into bare land, built-up area, vegetation and water body used to carry out change detection analysis or time series analysis. In-addition, figures from National Population Commission (NPC) were used. Change detection analyses was carried out on the imageries to obtain the physical expansion of the area. The Land Consumption Rate (LCR) and Land Absorption Coefficient (LAC) were determined as well. Accuracy assessment was carried out on the images classified using the confusion matrix with Ground truth image tool on ENVI. An overall kappa coefficient was generated from this assessment which proved to be a very good result. Results obtained from the analysis of built-up area dynamics for the past four decades revealed that the town has been undergoing urban expansion processes. There was an increase in the built-up area between 1986 and 2018 which is largely due to the increase in population of Lagos state based on its high Urbanization rate. Vegetation cover reduced between 1986 and 2001, which is reasonable considering the rate at which the built-up area was increasing. But between 2001 and 2006, vegetation increased a little, this due to farming in 2006. Bare land had an inconsistent change. The increase in bare land could be as result of bush burning while the reduction could be as a result of more farming in the state or development of more built-up areas. It is recommended that Global change research efforts should be encouraged through international research partnerships to establish international land use /land cover science program to bridge the gap between climate researchers, decision makers and land managers; There was more reduction in vegetation than increase which poised a great danger that could cause greenhouse effect on the environment. Government at all levels should ensure that all these land use/land cover types are maintained to save our ecological biodiversity.
Jeudi 8 août, au terme d'une dernière nuit de négociations, les 166 parties prenantes des Nations unies se sont mis d'accord sur les recommandations aux hommes politiques pour mieux gérer et préserver les ressources de la terre.
Aspects of the Geomorphology and Limnology of some molluscinhabited freshwate...iosrjce
This document summarizes a study of the geomorphology and limnology of 25 freshwater bodies in northern Nigeria that are inhabited by molluscs. A total of 14 mollusc species from 9 families were found across the water bodies. Measurements of the water bodies showed variations in elevation, size, substrate, and vegetation. Water quality parameters like temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, and hardness also varied significantly between sites. Linear regression analysis revealed relationships between elevation and other factors. Canonical correspondence analysis established relationships between mollusc distributions and environmental characteristics. The study provides information on the habitats and water quality conditions of mollusc-inhabited freshwaters in northern Nigeria.
Spatiotemporal analyses of land use and land cover changes in suleja local go...Alexander Decker
This document analyzes land use and land cover changes in Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria between 1987 and 2012 using satellite images. The study found increases in built up land, farmland, and bare soil, and declines in vegetation over this period. Specifically, built up land increased from 7.0 km2 in 1987 to 17.9 km2 in 2012, farmland increased from 50.1 km2 to 63.0 km2, and vegetation declined from 68.7 km2 to 43.1 km2. The increases are attributed to urbanization from population growth and migration near the capital city of Abuja. The changes can lead to environmental degradation if not managed sustainably.
The Role of Soil Organisms and Functions in different Coconut based Multiple ...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
Abstract—Sampling was done in wet and intermediate zones represented by the Walpita and Makandura research centers, respectively. Eleven land use systems were considered for the study; coconut mono culture (CM), bare land (BL) and coconut multiple cropping. Under coconut multiple cropping, nine different intercrops were selected separately for each zones. The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates (n = 3). The experiment was conducted under mature baring coconut (>20 years) plantation. Soil Macrofauna was sampled using one transect with three replicates at each land use type using quadrate size (30×30cm) from 0-30 cm depth and visible organisms were handpicked and preserved in 75% alcohol. Dilute plate technique and Spread plate technique was used to determine the soil micro organisms’ density. Those techniques were used to cultivate the fungi and bacteria under 〖10〗^(-2) and 〖10〗^(-5) dilution level respectively.
Research identified 12 classes (Crusteacea, Oligochaeta, Hirudinea, Gastropoda, Acarina, Araneida, Scopionida, Chilapoda, Diplopoda, Amphibia, Reptelia) and 14 orders (Hemiptera, Diptera, Coleoptera, Thysanura, Hymenoptera, Lepidotera, Orthoptera, Blattaria, Mantodea, Phasmida, Dermaptera, Isoptera, Siphonaptera, Thysanoptera) of soil organisms. Class insecta shows the high diversity with 14 orders. Colony forming unit (CFU) value of bacteria was higher than that of the fungi value. Findings of intermediate and wet zones’ studies suggested that coconut multiple cropping systems may have high diversity, abundance and functional role of soil organisms. Both zones studies suggested that coconut multiple cropping systems may increase soil moisture factor, respiration rate, biomass carbon content, organic carbon percentage, total nitrogen content, organic matter content and C:N ratio in 0-30cm depth other than the coconut monoculture systems. Overall data of two different zones indicated a significant positive correlation of soil organism diversity, abundance and their functional role with cropping systems. Those data can be used as a reliable basic bio indicator for payments for ecosystem services (PES). It supports to valorize the economic value of the ecological services returned by soil organisms.
This study assessed whether introducing a legume pasture in a subtropical cereal cropping system can reduce synthetic nitrogen (N) inputs and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. The study compared N2O emissions and yields in a sorghum crop following either a legume pasture (alfalfa and sulla) or grass pasture (rhodes grass and wheat) rotation under two N fertilization rates. N2O emissions were monitored from crop planting to final seedbed preparation using an automated system. Preliminary results showed that the legume pasture supplied enough N to support crop growth while low carbon residues limited denitrification and N2O emissions compared to the grass pasture. Introducing a leg
This document summarizes a study that aimed to map mangrove species in the Seychelles using remote sensing techniques. The study area was Port Launay wetland on Mahe island, which contains seven mangrove species. Field data was collected using GPS to record species locations and analyze spatial patterns. A Pleiades satellite image was analyzed to classify and map the mangrove species distributions. Issues encountered included tidal access limitations and canopy cover obscuring understory species. The analysis will produce a final mangrove species classification map and provide methodology for future remote sensing wetland studies.
Using Hydroacoustics to Spatially Quantify Productive Capacity in Freshwater ...rapollom
This document is a thesis proposal submitted by Riley Pollomin partial fulfillment of the requirements for a Master's of Science degree in biology. The proposal aims to use hydroacoustic methods to spatially quantify the productive capacity of fish habitats in freshwater lakes and reservoirs in Manitoba. Specifically, it will evaluate the productive capacity of Lac du Bonnet reservoir and Lake Manigotagan and examine how this capacity varies spatially within and between the systems. Hydroacoustic surveys will be conducted over two summers on both sites. Data collected will be used to analyze the relationship between fish productivity and distributions of lower trophic organisms. Individual size distributions will also be examined to understand resource allocation across body sizes.
1) Approximately 51% of households in Cusuco National Park in Honduras are multidimensionally poor, deprived in nearly 45% of basic indicators like electricity, safe water, and assets. Poverty in the park is comparable to rural Honduras.
2) Perceptions of ecosystem services differ between communities in the park, likely due to differences in enforcement of rules and activities. Water provision and climate regulation are highly valued. Agriculture is also important for livelihoods.
3) Community-based management could help address poverty by targeting deprivations, linking conservation to development goals, and providing alternatives to unsustainable land uses and resources like firewood. However, restrictions may reinforce poverty if sustainable alternatives are not
Status of seagrass ecosystem in Kauswagan, Lanao Del Norte and Laguindingan, ...Innspub Net
The study was conducted to determine the present status of seagrass resources of Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental and Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte and compared this through time with secondary data. It employed the transect-quadrat methods. Perpendicular to the shoreline, three (3) 100-m transect lines at 200-m interval between each transect were laid. Seven seagrass species were recorded comprising 38.6% of the total number (19) of seagrass species found in the Philippines. The seagrass community in all sites surveyed showed that it is highly dominated by Thalassia hemprichii species. However, there were no significant differences in species richness and diversity based on single-factor ANOVA statistical analysis (p>0.5). The abundance of T. hemprichii could probably be due to the prominent characteristic of this species where it could grow well in different types of habitat with various environmental conditions. The condition of seagrass beds in both areas were fair and the low Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index of seagrass in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte (H’=0.76±0.22) and in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental respectively (H’=0.40±0.35) indicate low stability in the community, which means that the condition of the seagrass ecosystem could be under threat, both from natural and anthropogenic activities. Over time, a fluctuating trend in species composition and a notable decline in seagrass species diversity and abundance have been observed in both areas. This present status calls an immediate response from the decision makers concerned for the sustainable management and conservation of the seagrass resources.
The rural-urban socioecological transformation of Mediterranean mountain areas under global change. Local studies in Olzinelles and Matadepera (Barcelona Metropolitan Region)
Do fine-scale factors shape the use of riparian galleries by carnivores in a ...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
Abstract— Riparian galleries are key structural elements of Mediterranean landscapes and their importance for carnivores has been widely demonstrated. However, humanization of the landscape has led to their degradation with consequences not fully understood. In this study we assessed the response of mesocarnivores to the fine-scale variation in the quality of a riparian gallery (Vale do Cobrão stream, central Portugal), evaluated on the basis of the QBR index (‘Qualitat del Bosc de Ribera’ in spanish) and an adaptation of the same considering mesocarnivore ecological requirements. These were represented through four parameters that could influence habitat quality for these species, namely refuge (total riparian cover, cover structure), disturbance and food availability. For the latter we considered the known main food resources for Mediterranean mesocarnivores: small mammals, lagomorphs, insects and fruits. Mesocarnivore use was evaluated through camera-trapping and sign surveys. For both indexes a concordance was observed between quality variation and its use by carnivores, and we also found a positive correlation between both indexes. The adapted QBR, being more laborious but also more realistic, could serve as guidance for conservation practice at the local scale, benefiting both land managers environmentally concerned, conservation practitioners and carnivore populations inhabiting humanized landscapes. However, for spatially wider approaches the original QBR proved to be a good indicator for the presence of mesocarnivores, being useful in the development of restauration or conservation strategies, as well as for research and monitoring activities of carnivore guilds.
Flood risk in urban centers across the Philippines is increasing due to changes in ecological and hydrological processes. Both global and local drivers are intensifying these changes. Climate change is triggering an increase in hydro-meteorological hazards. Local land cover degradation, urbanization, conversion of floodplains and inappropriate hydro infrastructures have all increased our vulnerability to hydrological hazards.
In order to design appropriate responses the role and function of riparian ecosystems in regulation of flood is required to be understood not only in both spatial and temporal contexts, but also in socio cultural and economic contexts. This paper will look at emerging evidence based approaches from landscape ecology and ecohydrology to develop community driven low cost interventions that can better understand and measure land use degradation and direct land use management actions that can aid sustainable flood risk reduction.
Diversity and species composition of mangroves species in Pilar, Siargao Isla...Innspub Net
Mangroves are considered as the most significant components of the coastal ecosystem and among the most productive and biologically complex ecosystems on the planet. Assessment of mangrove species plays a critical role in the preservation and protection of the mangroves forest. The study aimed to assess the mangrove species in Pilar, Siargao Island. The belt transect was employed with a dimension of modified 10 m x 12 m and was installed per quadrat. Eight mangrove species were identified under four families, and these are B. sexanguela, C. decandra, R. apiculata, R. mucronata, A. alba, A. marina, L. littorea, and X. granatum. One species, C. decandra is categorized by the IUCN as a near-threatened state. Results from the mangroves vegetation structure show that R. apiculata got the highest relative frequency (26.32%), density (35.46%), and dominance (55.08%) therefore; it has the highest importance value (116.85%). This further implies that R. apiculata is the most important and acclimated mangrove species in the study area. The species diversity in Pilar, Siargao Island falls under very low diversity (H’=1.63) which might be attributed to some human-related disturbances. Thus, further consideration in future planning and conservation to increase the resiliency of the mangrove ecosystem is needed.
Water-related bird assemblages in an urban pond ‘archipelago’: Winter pattern...Maria Paola Di Santo
This study reports on the patterns of species occurrence, abundance and richness of a wintering water-related bird assemblage in an ‘archipelago’ of 70 small artificial urban ponds (AUPs) embedded in a metropolitan landscape (Rome, central Italy). A total of 20 species in 26 AUPs were sampled. Only the largest AUPs (>0.1 ha) contained all these species, except for Gallinula chloropus. The highest total mean species abundance was observed in the largest ponds, with statistically significant differences evident among size classes. Two significant spatial thresholds in species abundance and richness were observed (between 0.01 and 0.1 ha; between 0.1 and 1 ha in size). The abundance of single species was correlated with their frequency of occurrence. Ponds in urban areas must be larger than 0.1 ha to host a rich winter assemblage of birds, with a further increase in richness noted with a surface area larger than 1 ha. The highest number of species was observed in the larger ponds (>1 ha). The species richness of each AUP is directly correlated to their size (log-transformed species–area relationship: log S = 3.515 + 0.497 log A; R2 = 0.76). Further research should be conducted to confirm these patterns and to implement information useful for planning and management of artificial ponds in urban areas for this purpose.
Analyses of Community Attributes of Meiofauna Under A Pollution Regime in the...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
— Meiofauna community attributes of the lower Bonny estuary was investigated under a pollution regime. This is germane because of the strategic importance of meiofauna in the food chain and the sustenance of any aquatic ecosystem. Five stations representing diverse land based activities such as refuse dump site, fuel depot, fishing-landing areas, residential housing and a station located upstream (control) were chosen for investigation. The meiofauna samples were collected from sediments in three replicate spots per station per sampling months at low tide. Sediment samples were stirred through (63-212nm) meshes to separate meiofauna and organic debris. Meiofauna samples were processed by first washing Meiofauna through a sieve of fine mesh size made of silk material, in order to wash off formation and excess silt or mud. Meiofauna samples were sorted out and identified using standard keys. Result from field studies indicate that meiofauna population abundance and diversity varied slightly between stations and seasons. There was however, no established trend. Meiofauna were generally more abundant in the rainy season than in the dry season. In general, pollution indicator meiofaunal taxa were more in all stations except the control station; the increasing impact of pollutants in the river led to a rise in the relative abundance of r-strategist genera like Chromadora. We conclude that the application of meiofaunal indices can be a useful tool for assessing the environmental quality of estuarine ecosystems.
The document discusses environmental zoning for biodiversity conservation in Lawaan, Eastern Samar, Philippines. It analyzed the area's biodiversity using ecological and social criteria through surveys and GIS mapping. Three zones were identified - very critical, critical, and less critical - based on biodiversity index values across elevation gradients. The study found that concentric zoning could lead to lower elevation extinction, and proposed environmental zoning as a new biodiversity conservation paradigm for the area.
This case study will focus on peri-urban agriculture in France as a way to analyze tensions over soil use and different understandings of soil quality. Peri-urban agriculture represents nearly 30% of agricultural land in France and faces challenges from urban expansion consuming hectares of land. The case study will investigate soil quality management strategies through interviews with 25-30 stakeholders in the region, including farmers, experts, and administrators. It will identify issues, current management approaches, and stakeholder objectives to develop a comprehensive and sustainable strategy for improving total soil quality in the region while balancing conflicting uses.
Land use/ land cover classification and change detection mapping: A case stud...AI Publications
The study attempts to determine the land use/land cover expansion that occurred in the area over a period of thirty years. Multi temporal Landsat satellite images TM 1986, ETM+ 2001, 2006 and 2018 from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) website as primary dataset. Area of interest was clipped in ArcGIS environment and then enhanced and classified in ENVI. Using supervised classification algorithm, the images were classified into bare land, built-up area, vegetation and water body used to carry out change detection analysis or time series analysis. In-addition, figures from National Population Commission (NPC) were used. Change detection analyses was carried out on the imageries to obtain the physical expansion of the area. The Land Consumption Rate (LCR) and Land Absorption Coefficient (LAC) were determined as well. Accuracy assessment was carried out on the images classified using the confusion matrix with Ground truth image tool on ENVI. An overall kappa coefficient was generated from this assessment which proved to be a very good result. Results obtained from the analysis of built-up area dynamics for the past four decades revealed that the town has been undergoing urban expansion processes. There was an increase in the built-up area between 1986 and 2018 which is largely due to the increase in population of Lagos state based on its high Urbanization rate. Vegetation cover reduced between 1986 and 2001, which is reasonable considering the rate at which the built-up area was increasing. But between 2001 and 2006, vegetation increased a little, this due to farming in 2006. Bare land had an inconsistent change. The increase in bare land could be as result of bush burning while the reduction could be as a result of more farming in the state or development of more built-up areas. It is recommended that Global change research efforts should be encouraged through international research partnerships to establish international land use /land cover science program to bridge the gap between climate researchers, decision makers and land managers; There was more reduction in vegetation than increase which poised a great danger that could cause greenhouse effect on the environment. Government at all levels should ensure that all these land use/land cover types are maintained to save our ecological biodiversity.
Jeudi 8 août, au terme d'une dernière nuit de négociations, les 166 parties prenantes des Nations unies se sont mis d'accord sur les recommandations aux hommes politiques pour mieux gérer et préserver les ressources de la terre.
Aspects of the Geomorphology and Limnology of some molluscinhabited freshwate...iosrjce
This document summarizes a study of the geomorphology and limnology of 25 freshwater bodies in northern Nigeria that are inhabited by molluscs. A total of 14 mollusc species from 9 families were found across the water bodies. Measurements of the water bodies showed variations in elevation, size, substrate, and vegetation. Water quality parameters like temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, and hardness also varied significantly between sites. Linear regression analysis revealed relationships between elevation and other factors. Canonical correspondence analysis established relationships between mollusc distributions and environmental characteristics. The study provides information on the habitats and water quality conditions of mollusc-inhabited freshwaters in northern Nigeria.
Spatiotemporal analyses of land use and land cover changes in suleja local go...Alexander Decker
This document analyzes land use and land cover changes in Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria between 1987 and 2012 using satellite images. The study found increases in built up land, farmland, and bare soil, and declines in vegetation over this period. Specifically, built up land increased from 7.0 km2 in 1987 to 17.9 km2 in 2012, farmland increased from 50.1 km2 to 63.0 km2, and vegetation declined from 68.7 km2 to 43.1 km2. The increases are attributed to urbanization from population growth and migration near the capital city of Abuja. The changes can lead to environmental degradation if not managed sustainably.
The Role of Soil Organisms and Functions in different Coconut based Multiple ...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
Abstract—Sampling was done in wet and intermediate zones represented by the Walpita and Makandura research centers, respectively. Eleven land use systems were considered for the study; coconut mono culture (CM), bare land (BL) and coconut multiple cropping. Under coconut multiple cropping, nine different intercrops were selected separately for each zones. The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates (n = 3). The experiment was conducted under mature baring coconut (>20 years) plantation. Soil Macrofauna was sampled using one transect with three replicates at each land use type using quadrate size (30×30cm) from 0-30 cm depth and visible organisms were handpicked and preserved in 75% alcohol. Dilute plate technique and Spread plate technique was used to determine the soil micro organisms’ density. Those techniques were used to cultivate the fungi and bacteria under 〖10〗^(-2) and 〖10〗^(-5) dilution level respectively.
Research identified 12 classes (Crusteacea, Oligochaeta, Hirudinea, Gastropoda, Acarina, Araneida, Scopionida, Chilapoda, Diplopoda, Amphibia, Reptelia) and 14 orders (Hemiptera, Diptera, Coleoptera, Thysanura, Hymenoptera, Lepidotera, Orthoptera, Blattaria, Mantodea, Phasmida, Dermaptera, Isoptera, Siphonaptera, Thysanoptera) of soil organisms. Class insecta shows the high diversity with 14 orders. Colony forming unit (CFU) value of bacteria was higher than that of the fungi value. Findings of intermediate and wet zones’ studies suggested that coconut multiple cropping systems may have high diversity, abundance and functional role of soil organisms. Both zones studies suggested that coconut multiple cropping systems may increase soil moisture factor, respiration rate, biomass carbon content, organic carbon percentage, total nitrogen content, organic matter content and C:N ratio in 0-30cm depth other than the coconut monoculture systems. Overall data of two different zones indicated a significant positive correlation of soil organism diversity, abundance and their functional role with cropping systems. Those data can be used as a reliable basic bio indicator for payments for ecosystem services (PES). It supports to valorize the economic value of the ecological services returned by soil organisms.
This study assessed whether introducing a legume pasture in a subtropical cereal cropping system can reduce synthetic nitrogen (N) inputs and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. The study compared N2O emissions and yields in a sorghum crop following either a legume pasture (alfalfa and sulla) or grass pasture (rhodes grass and wheat) rotation under two N fertilization rates. N2O emissions were monitored from crop planting to final seedbed preparation using an automated system. Preliminary results showed that the legume pasture supplied enough N to support crop growth while low carbon residues limited denitrification and N2O emissions compared to the grass pasture. Introducing a leg
This document summarizes a study that aimed to map mangrove species in the Seychelles using remote sensing techniques. The study area was Port Launay wetland on Mahe island, which contains seven mangrove species. Field data was collected using GPS to record species locations and analyze spatial patterns. A Pleiades satellite image was analyzed to classify and map the mangrove species distributions. Issues encountered included tidal access limitations and canopy cover obscuring understory species. The analysis will produce a final mangrove species classification map and provide methodology for future remote sensing wetland studies.
Using Hydroacoustics to Spatially Quantify Productive Capacity in Freshwater ...rapollom
This document is a thesis proposal submitted by Riley Pollomin partial fulfillment of the requirements for a Master's of Science degree in biology. The proposal aims to use hydroacoustic methods to spatially quantify the productive capacity of fish habitats in freshwater lakes and reservoirs in Manitoba. Specifically, it will evaluate the productive capacity of Lac du Bonnet reservoir and Lake Manigotagan and examine how this capacity varies spatially within and between the systems. Hydroacoustic surveys will be conducted over two summers on both sites. Data collected will be used to analyze the relationship between fish productivity and distributions of lower trophic organisms. Individual size distributions will also be examined to understand resource allocation across body sizes.
1) Approximately 51% of households in Cusuco National Park in Honduras are multidimensionally poor, deprived in nearly 45% of basic indicators like electricity, safe water, and assets. Poverty in the park is comparable to rural Honduras.
2) Perceptions of ecosystem services differ between communities in the park, likely due to differences in enforcement of rules and activities. Water provision and climate regulation are highly valued. Agriculture is also important for livelihoods.
3) Community-based management could help address poverty by targeting deprivations, linking conservation to development goals, and providing alternatives to unsustainable land uses and resources like firewood. However, restrictions may reinforce poverty if sustainable alternatives are not
Status of seagrass ecosystem in Kauswagan, Lanao Del Norte and Laguindingan, ...Innspub Net
The study was conducted to determine the present status of seagrass resources of Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental and Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte and compared this through time with secondary data. It employed the transect-quadrat methods. Perpendicular to the shoreline, three (3) 100-m transect lines at 200-m interval between each transect were laid. Seven seagrass species were recorded comprising 38.6% of the total number (19) of seagrass species found in the Philippines. The seagrass community in all sites surveyed showed that it is highly dominated by Thalassia hemprichii species. However, there were no significant differences in species richness and diversity based on single-factor ANOVA statistical analysis (p>0.5). The abundance of T. hemprichii could probably be due to the prominent characteristic of this species where it could grow well in different types of habitat with various environmental conditions. The condition of seagrass beds in both areas were fair and the low Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index of seagrass in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte (H’=0.76±0.22) and in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental respectively (H’=0.40±0.35) indicate low stability in the community, which means that the condition of the seagrass ecosystem could be under threat, both from natural and anthropogenic activities. Over time, a fluctuating trend in species composition and a notable decline in seagrass species diversity and abundance have been observed in both areas. This present status calls an immediate response from the decision makers concerned for the sustainable management and conservation of the seagrass resources.
This study mapped the vegetation types in the Jama Coaque Reserve in Ecuador using GPS waypoints collected along trails. Five vegetation types were identified: primary and secondary tropical moist forest, primary and secondary premontane cloud forest, and agroforestry. Vegetation maps showed general patterns of increasing elevation between forest types. The average starting elevation of cloud forest was 518m, agreeing with prior predictions of 525m, except along northern trails where cloud forest began at lower elevations. Future research could use drones to map forest types between trails at the reserve.
Reforestation is one of the Philippines’ government efforts to restore and rehabilitate degraded mangrove ecosystems. Although there is recovery of the ecosystem in terms of vegetation, the recovery of closely-linked faunal species in terms of community structure is still understudied. This research investigates the community structure of mangrove crabs under two different management schemes: protected mangroves and reforested mangroves. The transect-plot method was employed in each management scheme to quantify the vegetation, crab assemblages and environmental variables. Community composition of crabs and mangrove trees were compared between protected and reforested mangroves using non-metric multi-dimensional scaling and analysis of similarity in PRIMER 6. Chi-squared was used to test the variance of sex ration of the crabs. Canonical Correspondence Analysis was used to determine the relationship between crabs and environmental parameters. A total of twelve species of crabs belonging to six families were identified in protected mangroves while only four species were documented in reforested mangroves. Perisesarma indiarum and Baptozius vinosus were the most dominant species in protected and reforested mangrove, respectively. Univariate analysis of variance of crab assemblage data revealed significant differences in crab composition and abundance between protected mangroves and from reforested mangroves (P<0.05).><0.05).Environmental factors and human intervention had contributed to the difference in crab assemblages in mangrove ecosystems.
This document summarizes a study measuring the success of reforestation efforts in abandoned pastures in the Cerro Candelaria Reserve in Ecuador. The study collected data on tree diameter, height, location and species from 16 reforestation plots established between 2008-2010. Diversity indices were calculated to analyze the data and assess the progress of the reforestation project over time. The results showed general progress in reforesting the abandoned pastures and increasing tree diversity compared to when the project first began.
Wildfires pose significant threats to life, property, and ecosystems. The USGS conducts research on wildfire impacts, risks, and management. This includes studying historical fire patterns, monitoring fuel reduction efforts, and assessing post-fire effects like erosion. The USGS provides tools to map fuels, monitor active fires, and predict hazards. This science-based information helps land managers and emergency responders mitigate wildfire dangers and impacts.
The document discusses the NASA-ISRO SAR Mission (NISAR) which will monitor and map global forest resources using synthetic aperture radar (SAR). NISAR's orbiting radars will image the Earth's land and sea ice at high resolutions of 5-10 meters to track subtle changes. This will provide information on forest disturbance from factors like fires, diseases, and harvesting. The frequent imaging capability of NISAR will allow it to monitor forest changes reliably even under cloud cover, providing timely data for applications like sustainable forest management and response to natural disasters.
This study analyzed land cover and land use (LCLU) changes due to fires in Central America from 2001-2015, with a focus on El Salvador. MODIS satellite data showed Guatemala had the most annual fires, while El Salvador had fewer fires than other countries. In El Salvador's Bay of Jiquilisco Reserve, only 4 total fires occurred from 2004-2008. Analysis of Landsat imagery from this region showed minimal closed forest change but a drop in agriculture, possibly due to burning clearing land for open vegetation. The study aims to help policymakers understand fire impacts on local economies, livelihoods, habitats and ecosystems.
This study examined the relationship between seagrass coverage and invertebrate abundance on the island of South Caicos. Researchers measured seagrass coverage using transects and quadrats at six sites and recorded observed invertebrate species. The data analysis found no significant correlations between seagrass density and invertebrate abundance. While previous studies found such correlations, the researchers believe methodological issues and environmental conditions affected their results. Further research with improved methods is needed to better understand these relationships and inform plans to remove seagrass beds.
Remote Sensing And GIS Application In Wetland MappingSwetha A
This document discusses remote sensing and GIS applications for wetland mapping. It begins by defining wetlands and describing some of the largest in the world. The three main criteria for identifying wetlands - hydric soils, hydrophytic vegetation, and hydrology - are introduced. Remote sensing data, including IRS P6 LISS III imagery, is used to map wetlands in Karnataka, India. Indices like NDWI, MNDWI, NDVI, and NDPI are calculated from the multi-spectral bands to identify wetland areas. GIS is then used to analyze and interpret the remote sensing data spatially and temporally. Final maps are produced showing the distribution and types of wetlands identified in India and specifically
forests Evolution in central Africa1990-2010PatrickTanz
This document summarizes a study on mapping and monitoring rainforests in Africa between 1990 and 2010. Key points:
1) A new wall-to-wall map of Africa's rainforests in 2005 was created using MODIS satellite data at 250m resolution, achieving 84% accuracy.
2) Deforestation rates were estimated between 1990-2000 and 2000-2010 using Landsat images for 285 systematic sample sites, finding higher rates in West Africa and Madagascar than the Congo Basin.
3) Analysis identified expanding agriculture and increasing fuelwood demands as primary drivers of deforestation in the Congo Basin, while controlled timber exploitation had little direct influence currently. Population concentrations and movements were also underlying causes
WWF Study: Vulnerability analysis of the amazon biome ClimateCourse
This document provides an analysis of climate vulnerability in the Amazon biome and its protected areas. It begins with an overview of climate change impacts on the region, including increasing temperatures, more frequent droughts and floods, and increased forest fires. It then presents a conceptual framework for assessing climate risks and resilience. The methodology assesses exposure to climate hazards, climate risks to ecosystem services, and factors that build ecosystem resilience. Key findings include increased temperature across the biome, spatially variable drought and flood impacts, and concentration of fires in deforestation fronts. The analysis aims to support climate adaptation and resilience building in Amazon protected areas.
The document analyzes the loss of tidal wetlands in New York from 1880 to 2000 based on a study by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, finding a 48% loss from the 1880s to 2000 and an additional 19% loss from 1970 to present despite protective legislation passed in the 1970s, indicating wetland decline continues to be a problem. It discusses how wetlands provide important ecosystem services like habitat for marine organisms and nutrient cycling. The main cause of ongoing wetland loss is increased amounts of open water on marsh surfaces due to excess nitrogen leading to the wetland's demise, though laws in the 1970s aimed to protect from draining and filling wet
Impacts of fires on the woody stratum of Mbam and Djerem National Park (Camer...AI Publications
In Cameroon, the recurrent and uncontrolled use of bush fires, causing damage to the ecosystem, and constitutes a worrying situation for protected area managers. . The Mbam et Djerem National Park (PNMD) is threatened by bush fires and particularly by uncontrolled late fires which compromise all of its biodiversity and the future of the park. Faced with this increasingly high occurrence of fires and the insufficiency of basic data, it becomes urgent to assess the impacts of fire on the woody and grassy stratum according to the fire regime and at the end of proposing fire management strategies at PNMD level. To do this, experimental plots were installed, the impacts of fire on vegetation according to fire regimes were assessed. The results reveal that: 74% of the trees examined are barked by fire and the proportion of these barked trees varies according to the species of tree, which constitutes entry points for termites and bees in the trees. Adults are significantly more skinned (70%) than young people (30%) (variance = 32.447 df = 1, χ2 = 103.014, p = 0.004). The intensity of the fire is significantly different from one fire regime to another (p = 0.0154). The rate of regrowth is different between treatments (ANOVA, p = 0.005). High (apparent) mortality is observed for class 2 individuals (35%), i.e. juveniles suffering from late fires. Remote sensing therefore appears to be a more valuable tool for monitoring and analyzing space and time for strategic and operational planning and for early warning in the management of bush fires.
Ecuador has high biodiversity due to its various geographic zones and location between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean. It is estimated to have more plant species per area than any other South American country. However, deforestation from activities like agriculture, mining, and fires threatens much of its biodiversity. Conservation efforts have helped protect areas like the Galapagos Islands, but more work is needed as habitats and species remain at risk. Ecuador is working to update its biodiversity strategy and achieve international biodiversity targets through initiatives that protect forests, combat deforestation, and educate communities on sustainable practices.
Human interactions with the environment are identified as one of the leading causes of climate change and variation. Modification, conversion and maintenance of land cover are all forms of anthropogenic interactions with the environment that result in a variety of vital changes to the environment that either positively or negatively feedback to the environment and climate. The identification and monitoring of these Land Use/ Land Cover Changes (LULCC) is therefore important since changes in land cover, occasioned more often than not by anthropogenic land use, alter land-atmosphere interactions upon which ecosystem services rely thus resulting in climate change and variation. Land Surface Temperature (LST) is a property of the land surface and refers to the temperature of the interface between the earth’s land surface and the atmosphere. It is therefore an important variable in land-atmosphere interactions and a climate change indicator which varies over space and in time as a function of vegetation cover, surface moisture, soil types, topography and meteorological conditions. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is a numerical indicator derived from the Visible (Red) and Near Infrared (NIR) bands of the electromagnetic spectrum used in remote sensing to assess the concentration of green leaf vegetation and plant phenology. It is also an accepted and widely used parameter in characterization and assessment of vegetation change. This study uses a remote sensing approach in one of the most ecologically rich and diverse ecosystems to investigate the effect of Land Use/ Land Cover Change and in particular vegetation change on Land Surface Temperature (LST). The study area is in the Mara ecosystem located in South Western Kenya. LANDSAT satellite images for 1985, 1995, 2003 and 2010 were used to derive NDVI and LST. We found that human related Land Use/ Land Cover Change (LULCC) in the form of conversion of land for cultivation purposes has been and is taking place around the Maasai Mara National Reserve (MMNR). We also found that a negative correlation exists between LST and NDVI thus indicating that with decrease in vegetation cover and conversion to cultivated land, there is increase in Land Surface Temperature (LST).
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Article
Study of fire and land change, land use within the Bay of Jiquilisco region of
El Salvador
M. Nichols1
and J. Miller1
1
Department of Geography & Environmental Studies, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs,
CO 80918, USA; mnichols@uccs.edu and jmiller@uccs.edu
Introduction
Critical habitats provide important ecological services in the form of biodiversity in flora
and fauna, elemental regulation, and inter-ecosystem bio-corridors. These habitats provide
anthropogenic services, such as material extraction, aquaculture, and sustenance farming to
surrounding communities and outlying population areas. These services are used for local
livelihoods and to increase local economies. Critical habitats include wetland ecosystems that
include fresh and brackish marshes, seagrass beds, and mangroves forests.
Mangrove forests exist in over 80 countries on five continents with an estimated global
area of between 110,000 and 240,000 km2
(Giri et al. 2011). Mangroves are complex,
multilayered coastal environments that provide vital ecosystem services. These ecosystem
services include: coastal interface regulations, species habitat, waste treatment, biomass
production, carbon sequestration, and inter-ecosystem nutrition transfer and capture. Mangrove
systems also provide anthropogenic services in the form of firewood, building material, fishery
and shrimp pond aquaculture, sustenance farming, medicinal plant extraction, and flood
protection. These ecosystem services provide a value of $1.6 billion USD/yr. at the global level
(Polidoro et al. 2010).
Between 1980 and 2000, a 35% decrease occurred in global mangrove land cover (Giri et
al. 2011). Based on the multitude of different management techniques and policy enforcement of
various countries, a 1%-20% loss of mangrove forest area per year occurred. Mangrove forests
face threats from multiple sources, both natural and anthropogenic. Ecological threats include sea
level rise (SLR), increased storm events, the decline of partner ecosystem health, and climate
change. Anthropogenic threats include deforestation due to urban development, agriculture and
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aquaculture expansion, increased population, tourism, overexploitation of resources,
hydrological diversion, pollution, and fire. Approximately 30% of regional populations inhabit
areas directly exposed to adverse storm events, high tides, tsunamis, and flooding (Lacambra et
al. 2011). These are all events that mangrove forests adapt to and regulate, which assists in the
prevention of coastal erosion and property loss( ).
Fire has been one of the most comprehensive tools for forest clearing and repurposing in
the tropical regions (Chuvieco et al. 2008). This makes fire the most commonly used tool for
land cover change. Fire has also been extensively used in support of active landscape
management, particularly with regards to clearing for agricultural purposes (Bowman et al.
2009). With respect to the reduction and elimination of agricultural waste, fire has been
implemented and employed in the removal of vegetation species as well as promoting desired
vegetation species (Yevich et al. 2003). Anthropogenic burning is one of the primary threats to
mangrove forest systems. Within the Central American region, fire patterns indicate that it is
widely used, with many detected fire events occurring along the coastal corridors (Figure 1).
Fire continues to redefine Central America’s land cover and land use (LCLU). Due to fire
effects, it remains imperative that the monitoring of LCLU occur with the use of remote sensing
and GIS techniques which can capture the spatial extent of LCLU change and intensity of fires
and burned areas.
LCLU can impact a critical habitat either positively or negatively. For example, the
measurement of LCLU can help assist defining the gains and losses of a particular ecosystem
land cover classification. These measurements can help in determining what constitutes a threat
to critical habitats in relation to biodiversity loss, water inundation, and anthropogenic resources.
Study Area
The Bahía de Jiquilísco Reserve and the subset Monte Cristo mangrove are located on the
central coast of El Salvador, east of the Rio Lempa (Figure 2). The area constitutes the largest
extension of brackish water and salt water forest in El Salvador. This reserve contains numerous
estuaries, canals, sand dunes, beaches, isles, freshwater lagoon, and seasonally saturated forests
connected to the mangroves. The Reserve is habitat and nesting site for numerous coasting bird
species, such as the frigate, osprey, pelican, and crane. The reserve also constitutes a critical
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nesting site for a half dozen endangered sea turtle species, such as the Hawksbill, olive ridley,
and leatherback.
Bordered by the settlements of Monte Cristo, La Canoa, San Juan del Gozo, and Isla de
Mendez, the mangrove forest is surrounded by cultivated agricultural areas. The land
management dynamic within the reserve included communal management, private land, and
state-owned. Due to heavy deforestation in the past there is limited remaining forest land cover.
This creates a landscape where agricultural fields and plots occupy the same space as forest
stands. Economic activities involve fishing, shellfish extraction, agriculture, salt extraction, cattle
ranching, coconut plantations, with some area seeing increased tourism. This research examines
the distribution of this mangrove system and surrounding land cover. MODIS fire data is
incorporated to determine fire patterns that may correlate with land cover change within this
region of El Salvador.
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Methods
Landsat 7 ETM +
satellite imagery was acquired from USGS – Earth Explorer and
consisted of 11 separate images, date ranging from December 2003 to 30 December 2013. All
satellite images contained minimal to no cloud cover and satellite imagery was selected in
accordance with a previous study entitled, “Interactions between Climate, Land Use and
Vegetation Fire Occurrences in El Salvador,” which found that December through February are
the driest times during the year with the most detection of fires (Armenteras et al. 2016).
Therefore, images in the December time-frame between the years 2003 to 2013 annually were
used. The study area comprises an area of roughly______sq. miles.
Landscape percentages for the Bay of Jiquilisco Reserve region were derived from using
IDRISI-SELVA software’s Unsupervised Land Classification which uses an algorithm to
differentiate between spectral classes and informational classes. The Unsupervised Classification
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method was incorporated into the research because of a lack of first-hand knowledge of the area
such as terrain features and/or any other identifiable features whereas information classes could
be assigned. Informational classes included water, closed forest, open vegetation, agriculture,
bare soil, and built. After informational classes were identified, groups of pixels were placed into
spectral classes using an Isoclust. Next, using the Symbol Workshop, informational groups were
assigned to a spectral group on a best matching basis and each spectral group was reassigned to
an informational class. To obtain landscape percentages for each time span, the Unsupervised
Classification Isoclust’s histogram for each perspective time period was opened and the
cumulative frequency no data pixels were subtracted from the total number of no data pixels in
the Unsupervised Classification Isoclust. That difference was divided into each informational
classes' cumulative frequency of pixels which resulted in the percentage of landscape.
The data utilized to develop this study included Moderate Resolution Imaging
Spectroradiometer (MODIS) fire data from 2001-2015 and land use/land cover data from 2001-
2012 covering Central America. This data was reduced to study just the country of El Salvador.
Landsat 7 ETM+ SLC-off images from 2004, 2008, and Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS Land Surface
Reflectance 2015 were incorporated for a southern region along the El Salvador coast and Bay of
Jiquilisco Reserve.
High resolution imagery was used to analyze land cover change in the Monte Cristo
mangrove subset. Images from 07 October 2002 and 27 September 2006 were acquired from the
QuickBird satellite platform at a resolution of 2 meters. A mosaic image from 23 September and
28 October 2014 was acquired from the WorldView-2 satellite platform at a resolution of 1.84
meters. In all cases four bands, blue, green, red, and NIR, were used for image processing.
Figure 3 provides the timeline overlap of the data sources.
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Using supervised land classification methods, the three high resolution images for the
Monte Cristo were processed with ~8 training sample polygons for each desired land
classification. The land classifications used were water, forest, mixed vegetation, agriculture, and
open soil. The Maximum likelihood classification option was used to provide a quantitative
statistical analysis of each pixel radiance value to determine land type probability. Each date
provided a land classification map that could then be compared to the proceeding years and
create a temporal change trajectory. Figure 4 describes the land classifications.
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Results and Discussion
El Salvador’s southern Bay of Jiquilisco Reserve Mangrove Forest region yielded very few
fires during the time span of the acquired Landsat imagery for November 2004, October 2008,
and November 2015. With respect to November 2015, no fire data was available and in
November of 2004 and October 2008, only a total of four fires occurred all of which seemed to
be associated with agricultural controlled burning outside the protected area of the Bay of
Jiquilisco Reserve Mangrove Forest. Since there were so few fires occurring at such a small
scale, no regression analysis was conducted. An inference could be made that the drop in
agricultural percentage between November 2004 and October (2008) may have been a result of
agricultural burning and an increase in open vegetation see figure (). The minimal change within
the closed forest landscape percentage came as no surprise seeing that the Bay of Jiquilisco
Reserve Mangrove Forest is protected area. However, the low percentages of closed forest
landscape within the region appear to be indicative of prior time period when aggressive
deforestation could have occurred. Because of varying landscape percentages due to fires within
the study region, namely between open vegetation and agriculture, it remains imperative that a
conservation agriculture interface be implemented in order to safeguard each LCLU from any
possible detriments due to fire effects.
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Fires within the proximity of the Bay of Jiquilisco (2001-2015)
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The supervised classification of the Monte Cristo mangrove provides an opportunity to
visualize the gains and losses of land cover over the twelve year. With this gain and loss
analysis, the percentage of change is calculated based on pixel value difference. Within this time
frame we see an overall increase in water, at 31%, and an overall decrease in forest, at 13%.
Mixed vegetation grows as well at 27% but agriculture shrinks at 13%. Open soil remains
constant through the study period. Figure 6 shows the gain and loss areas within the imagery and
the tabulated graphed data based on the gain and loss analysis.
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Figure 7 provides an overview of the fire pattern within El Salvador as it relates to
MODIS collected fire plots and detected land cover. The primary location of fires are detected
with woody grassland, cropland, and cropland/natural vegetation mosaic.
Within the 14-year time period from 2001 to 2015, only 13 fires were detected within the
Monte Cristo mangrove. Based on national and regional patterns, a higher frequency of fires
would be expected. However, a low frequency of fires are observed within the mangrove. This
could be attributed to the land management practices of the communally controlled lands. We
see that the majority of fires detected happen within the December-February fire season, with a
small minority outside of the season. The fires out of season could be attributed to lightning
strikes or to a local hunting practice that uses fire to flush out game. Figure 7 highlights these
seasonal and non-seasonal plots.
14 of 17
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The majority of fires occur within forest cover, which is consistent with previous studies
on forest fires and fire management data. Of the 13 fires, 7 occurred in the forest. Three are
detected in agricultural or open fields, which is again consistent with prior studies (Southworth et
al. 2001). It is he three fires that occur at the interface of the forest-agriculture or forest-mixed
vegetation that is of interest, which is seen in figure 8. These fires could be indicative of fire
being used as a deforestation tool to expand existing agricultural lands. This highlights one of the
greater threats to the mangrove forest.
15 of 17
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Land cover change continues to occur within the Bahí de Jiquilisco reserve. There has
been measurable decrease in forest area within the Monte Cristo mangrove with a high increase
in water. Fire practices within El Salvador are similar to regional patterns. Fire patterns within
the Reserve, specifically the Monte Cristo mangrove, show some similarities but have low
frequency. This is likely a result of biosphere protection strategies driven by community
management practices,
Development by month's Useful for policy makers in that the data analysis serves as an
initial assessment when attempting to address the scope of fire effects within a particular region
within Central America the subsequent effect on a local region’s critical habitat or ecosystem.
Free use to the public or policymakers.
Increases in water identified is an interesting change in the landscape. Potential reasons
deserving further exploration include sea level rise, increased storm events, and the local practice
of actively clearing the natural channels through the mangrove forest. An increase in temporal
resolution could also provide additional data through more specific pattern analysis. An
exploration of land use policies at the national, state, and local levels may also provide insight
15. Page 15 of 20
into the management practices and enforcement success of mangrove preservation. Additionally,
an analysis of fire intensity at detected plot points may also provide indicators of land cover
change, as high intensity fires consume all biomass at an event site and lowers the probability of
site recovery or regeneration.
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