Abstract
This study attempts to evaluate the habitat suitability of Chilla Sanctuary of Rajaji National Park for goral(Nemorhaedus goral) spread over 25859 sq km area. The IRS-1B false colour imagery, Survey of India topographical maps and ground observations were used to generate the spatial information on the extent of forest cover, waterholes, slope, settlements and the road network in and around the Sanctuary. The geospatial modelling was attempted using Arc/Info geographic information system (GIS). While proximity to waterholes, open forests with intermittent grasslands and steep slopes (30 degree or more) were considered as favourable conditions, the proximity to roads/settlements and flat terrain was taken as unfavourable condition. The results of this study showed that about 14 per cent area of the Sanctuary is highly to moderately suitable for goral. An additional 5 per cent area becomes available to goralif gujjars (tribals living inside sanctuary) are settled outside the sanctuary. Besides highlighting the endangered condition of the habitat for goral, this study demonstrates potential of remote sensing and GIS techniques for wildlife habitat suitability evaluation.
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