TY - GEN
T1 - Spatial Dynamics of the Western Ghats Ecosystem in Kerala, India
AU - Shivakumar, B. R.
AU - Bhojaraja, B. E.
AU - Pallavi, M.
AU - Reza, Sayed Mohsin
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2026 IEEE.
PY - 2026
Y1 - 2026
N2 - The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world's eight hottest biodiversity hotspots, harbor exceptionally rich and ecologically significant flora. This study presents a spatial analysis of vegetation distribution across the Kerala segment of the Western Ghats using remote sensing, GIS techniques, and vegetation indices including NDVI, EVI, LAI, and FPAR. By integrating satellite-derived vegetation indices with key terrain factors, vegetation patterns were mapped and interpreted at the district scale. The results reveal strong associations between vegetation indices and terrain factors, delineating distinct ecological zones ranging from lowland evergreen foresits to high-altitude shola-grassland mosaics. Notably, the Western Ghats cover 86.52% of Kerala's state boundary, emphasizing their dominant influence on the state's spatial and ecological framework. The findings provide an essential baseline for conservation planning, ecosystem management, and sustainable development in this biodiversity-rich and ecologically sensitive region.
AB - The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world's eight hottest biodiversity hotspots, harbor exceptionally rich and ecologically significant flora. This study presents a spatial analysis of vegetation distribution across the Kerala segment of the Western Ghats using remote sensing, GIS techniques, and vegetation indices including NDVI, EVI, LAI, and FPAR. By integrating satellite-derived vegetation indices with key terrain factors, vegetation patterns were mapped and interpreted at the district scale. The results reveal strong associations between vegetation indices and terrain factors, delineating distinct ecological zones ranging from lowland evergreen foresits to high-altitude shola-grassland mosaics. Notably, the Western Ghats cover 86.52% of Kerala's state boundary, emphasizing their dominant influence on the state's spatial and ecological framework. The findings provide an essential baseline for conservation planning, ecosystem management, and sustainable development in this biodiversity-rich and ecologically sensitive region.
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105042309361
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105042309361#tab=citedBy
U2 - 10.1109/AIDE69088.2026.11544455
DO - 10.1109/AIDE69088.2026.11544455
M3 - Conference contribution
AN - SCOPUS:105042309361
T3 - 2026 International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering, AIDE 2026 - Proceedings
SP - 480
EP - 485
BT - 2026 International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering, AIDE 2026 - Proceedings
PB - Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
T2 - 2026 International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering, AIDE 2026
Y2 - 5 February 2026 through 7 February 2026
ER -