Landscape ecology of the Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area, Nepal

The Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area (MBNPCA) of eastern Nepal (87°00′ E, 27°30′ N) is an ecologically rich mountain wilderness surrounded by a conservation buffer area supporting about 32,000 subsistence agriculturalists. The MBNPCA faces challenges that are common to many parks in the lesser developed countries, specifically integrating the often conflicting demands of land use, ecological conservation and resource protection. Like many reserves, managers and policy makers lack reliable resource data. Rapid ecological assessment (REA) and land use and land cover change analyses are essential for park management and conservation efforts. Assessment is limited by the remote and mountainous terrain. A comprehensive methodology combining ecological fieldwork and information technologies was employed that would expand data sources for conservation management.; MBNPCA tropical riparian zone forests were separated into five community types, within three major forest formations by Two Way Indicator Species (TWINSPAN) Analysis. Elevation, slope-position, aspect, and anthropogenic use-levels showed significant correspondence (p < 0.05) with species composition, based upon canonical correspondence analysis (CCA).; Satellite images for photogrammetric stereo-mapping and digital elevation model (DEM) extraction were evaluated. The DEM was compared to a conventionally digitized GIS dataset (median disagreement = 58m). The DEM was used to produce derivative landscape analysis outputs that compared well with the conventional datasets. New map products useful for improving field research and mapping efficiency were an orthorectified satellite base map and a land cover map using fused high spatial and spectral resolution images.; Low elevation riparian corridors are essential for biodiversity conservation. Land use along these corridors was examined over a twenty-year interval. Extent, fragmentation, and land use changes were analyzed within the context of the interaction between forest and farm. Analysis of 1972–-1992 change showed about 7,000 ha. of low elevation forests, with little change in overall extent. A net loss of 11% was estimated for all forest types in all land use categones. The dynamic nature of the land use and farming system was clearly demonstrated.