Spatial analysis of biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics in Lal Sohanra Biosphere Reserve, Pakistan

Abstract

This study examines how livelihood pressures, environmental variability, and changes in land use/land cover (LULC) affect ecosystem dynamics and biodiversity in Lal Sohanra National Park (LSNP) in Pakistan. Remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS) methods were used to process multi-temporal Landsat images spanning from 1990 to 2023. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), the normalized difference water index (NDWI), and the bare soil index (BSI) were used to assess the dynamics of vegetation, water, and bare soil, respectively. The photos covered a wide range of years, from 1990 to 2023. Local reliance on park resources was assessed using household survey data from 100 respondents. At the same time, climatic variability was examined using the Mann-Kendall trend test, Sen's slope estimator, and Pettitt's change-point analysis. Over the course of the research period, the results reveal significant changes in land cover. Barren land and shrubland varied widely, alternating between stages of degradation and vegetation regeneration, whereas forest cover declined at times but recovered partially in later years. While BSI indicates that soil remains exposed in critical zones, NDVI shows that vegetation is improving in some areas. Despite non-significant or fluctuating trends in precipitation and temperature, climate research reveals a notable rise in soil moisture and a notable fall in wind speed. In the late 90s and early 2000s, when land use changed and environmental stress was at its worst, change-point analysis primarily found structural shifts. According to socioeconomic data, local communities rely heavily on park resources, including fuelwood, grazing, and livelihood assistance, which strains habitat quality and vegetation. The study found that land-cover change, climate variability, and human resource use all play a role in shaping ecosystem dynamics in the Lal Sohanra Biosphere Reserve. To manage biodiversity sustainably, it is advised to implement integrated conservation planning, regulate resource use, and provide community-based livelihood options.