Massive Invasion of Mesquite (Prosopis juliflora) in Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary, India

Abstract

Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in India represents ‘Indian wild ass’ (Equus hemionus khur), an endangered desert mammal of the world. The present study has found desert mammals are supporting rapid invasion of Mesquite (Prosopis juliflora). Multi-temporal satellite images of 1977–2011 have been used for spatial quantification of Mesquite. The annual expansion rate of Mesquite cover has been estimated between 1.66 and 6.87 during the studied phases indicates significant threat to indigenous biodiversity.