ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Simlipal–Satkosia landscape in Odisha, India, is a vital ecological corridor that supports significant biodiversity and the livelihoods of indigenous communities. However, this region faces multiple conservation challenges, including forest degradation, invasive species proliferation, and increasing human-wildlife conflict. This study employs remote sensing and GIS-based techniques to assess forest health, map the spread of invasive species—particularly Lantana camara—and analyze human-wildlife conflict dynamics over a ten-year period (2014–2024).
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was used to evaluate forest quality in Simlipal National Park and Satkosia Tiger Reserve. The analysis reveals a decadal improvement in NDVI, suggesting increased vegetation cover. However, closer inspection shows that these gains may be misleading, as high NDVI values often correspond to the expansion of invasive species rather than native forest recovery. This “green desert” phenomenon highlights the limitations of NDVI when used without ground validation or species-specific analysis.
Simultaneously, human-wildlife conflict (HWC) mapping indicates spatial shifts in conflict hotspots, driven by changes in forest structure, wildlife movement, and proximity to human settlements. Correlation matrices between NDVI, Lantana spread, and HWC density show a strong negative relationship between vegetation health and conflict, and a positive correlation between invasive presence and conflict incidents.
The findings stress the urgent need for integrated landscape management strategies that combine invasive species control, genuine ecological restoration, and participatory conservation involving local communities. Community-based ecotourism, traditional ecological knowledge, and targeted conservation investments can enhance both biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods. This study underscores the importance of combining spatial analysis with socio-ecological understanding to guide future conservation planning in India’s forested landscapes.
Keywords: Invasive species, Lantana Camara, Human-Wildlife Conflict, Forest Degradation.
