Abstract

Vegetation of Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary was mapped using remote sensing techniques. Maps were prepared in 1:25, 000 scale using Black and White aerial photographs and in 1:50, 000 scale using IRS IB Geocoded satellite imagery. Digital image processing of the area was done using IRS IB LISS-1 data. A set of supplementary maps viz. physical, digital, drainage, slope maps were also prepared. Vegetation analysis of the area like density, relative density, abundance, percentage frequency, relative frequency, basal area, relative basal area, importance value index, species distribution, maturity index, continuum index, diversity index and concentration of dominance were also done and structural data supplemented. Dominant species of Westcoast semi-evergreen forest of this sanctuary are Mesua nagassarium, Myristica malabarica and Mangifera indica while that of Southern secondary moist mixed deciduous forest are Bombax malabarica, Tetramelus nudiflora and Xylia xylocarpa. Of the total area of 55 Sq Km, evergreen 39 percent, semi-evergreen 47 percent, moist deciduous 2 percent and other minor types 11 percent