TITLE:
Using Multi Techniques Analysis in Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification and Mapping of Mambilla Plateau in Taraba State Nigeria
AUTHORS:
Gabriel Salako, Oluwasogo Olalubi, Henry Sawyerr, Glenn Howe, Abel Adebayo, Abdulrasheed Adio
KEYWORDS:
Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem, GIS Models, Vegetal Resources Management, Classification, Mapping
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Ecology,
Vol.6 No.7,
May
31,
2016
ABSTRACT: This work
used multi techniques analysis comprises GIS models, geostatistics, clustering
analysis as against the traditional single layer thematic approach to
characterize Mambilla Plateau, a cold highland in Taraba state of Nigeriainto
biogeoclimatic ecosystem zones needed for natural resources management. The
principal criteria used in classifying and mapping the ecosystems are: climate
and bioclimate data, physiography (slope, relief and aspect), vegetation/landcover
data. In classifying and mapping the physiography of Mambilla Plateau, the
topographic layer was produced from 90 m NASA/SRTM digital elevation model.
Principal component analysis, agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis (AHC)
and geostatistical techniques (Kriging) were applied to develop
bioclimatic layer. A combination of vegetation field survey conducted on
selected sites, un/supervised classification and the application of NDVI values
was used to produce landcover map and delineation of the Plateau into
vegetation units. These layers of physiographic, bioclimatic and vegetation
were spatially combined using fuzzy (sum) overlay in Arc GIS 10.2 to produce 5
major and 1 subunit biogeoclimatic ecosystem zones on the Mambilla Plateau and
the adjoining landscape namely: humid lowland forest/humid shrubby forest,
montane forest, escarpment stream valley forest, grass cypress cool mountain
and, grass eucalyptus cold high mountain. It is expected that this approach to
biogeoclimatic ecosystem mapping shall form the bedrock for vegetal/forest
resources management not only in the region but find application especially in
most of the highland of the world.