Analyzing the Anthropogenic Impact on Habitat Fragmentation and Biodiversity Loss of Sundarban Mangrove Forest.

Keywords: Mangroves, biodiversity loss, ECOSTRESS, human impact, Sundarban
Abstract Type: Poster Abstract

Abstract

Mangroves are typically a focal point of interest to environmental scholars due to their rich biodiversity, natural resources, and also because of their contribution as a buffer against coastal hazards. The sundarban mangrove forest of Bangladesh and India is considered to be the largest contiguous mangrove forest in the world, which significantly diminishes cyclone impact on the coastal people. Nevertheless, conflict over limited resources and due to human activities such as shrimp cultivation and deforestation, this forest is subjected to serious deterioration and habitat fragmentation. This study aims to analyze the impacts of human-induced pressures on the Sundarbans' ecosystem, focusing on habitat fragmentation, biodiversity loss, and stress by incorporating high-resolution multi-temporal satellite imagery and the ECOSTRESS data product of NASA. Data-driven analysis on spatial alterations of land cover, habitat fragmentation pattern, and stress scenario of the mangrove forest by monitoring key indices such as surface temperature and evapotranspiration will be done primarily. By integrating spatial analysis with ecological indicators, this research will offer insights into the fragmentation dynamics and overall health of the Sundarbans, helping to identify critical/vulnerable areas. The findings will provide crucial insights for sustainable management practitioners to supervise human interferences in biodiversity degradation of the Sundarban.