Elephant's habitat suitability assessment through geo spatial quantification in Panchet forest division, West Bengal. (21st July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mandal, Mrinmay; Das Chatterjee, Nilanjana
• Is Part Of: Ecofeminism and climate change. Volume 1:Number 3(2020)
• Page Start: 127
• Page End: 140
• Publication Date: 2020-07-21
• Subjects: GIS -- Landscape -- Biological behavior -- Forest patch -- Habitat -- Home range; 304.2082
• DOI: 10.1108/EFCC-05-2020-0012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2633-4062

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: Ecologically habitat is an area of a particular species wherefrom its play every relationship with the surrounding. Therefore, every species hold habitat that supports to survive its life. The large terrestrial herbivore animal elephant (Elephas maximus) requires deferent kind of habitat for their biological behaviour. Forest habitat one of the landscapes entire their home range is very much responsible for selecting suitable habitat. The nature of habitat selection by an elephant is deeply concerned with landscape attributes. Design/methodology/approach: The present study started in this opinion. The study area Panchet Forest Division (PFD) has 28 forest patches are not in same size. Generally, forest patches are the most suitable habitat for elephant in every forest landscape as well as in PFD. But which forest patch will be highly suitable that depends on ecological function of other geospatial attributes like patch shape complexity, patch core, road intervention intensity, amount of water body and composition of the forest. The present study measures these attributes by different sequential steps such as field inquiry, satellite image processing and GIS application by using ERDAS 9.3 and ArcGIS 10.3 version software. Findings: After measuring these attributes value, Habitat Suitability Index is assessed through combined weighted principle method and prepared a suitability map. This map signifies that Joypur-I and II, Upper Peardoba, Brindabanpur, Kalabagan forest patches have good condition for elephant to prefer as a suitable habitat in PFD. Originality/value: Spatial classification of elephant habitat in PFD helps society and managing authority. It facilitates better management and reducing the chance of human – elephant frequent contact.