Use of Remote Sensing, GIS and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in Wildlife Habitat Suitability Analysis

Habitat evaluation is a foremost task of wildlife manager for wildlife species conservation and management. We did habitat evaluation through Habitat Suitability Index model using Remote Sensing, GIS and Analytical Hierarchy Process. The study was conducted in Motichur range of Rajaji national park for tiger (290 59‟ 30” to 300 05‟ N latitudes and 780 04‟ 30” to 780 15‟ 30” E longitudes). For the modeling, topographic sheets (scale 1:50000), maps of sanctuary , Forest types and Forest density were procured from Forest and Ecology Division, Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), Dehradun, India. Digital elevation map was generated from contour maps of topographic sheets. All these variables were considered as input data for developing the model. Experts‟ views and field experience were considered while allotting values to variables for AHP analysis to generate final weight. The model revealed that out of 115 Km2, 28.03 Km2 (24.37%) of forest area was highly suitable for tiger, whereas, 12.99 Km2 (11.29%) moderately suitable, 46.37 Km2 (40.32%) less suitable and 27.61 Km2 (24.01%) was least suitable. The study advocates the potentiality of remote sensing, GIS and AHP in wildlife habitat evaluation with minimal efforts and financial budget