Study of habitat loss and fragmentation in Lisar Protected Area based on landscape ecology approach

Landscape ecology metrics are used to describe composition and configuration of landscapes. The aim of this study was examination of habitat loss and fragmentation in Lisar Protected area in Guilan province during time period of 1990-2015.In this study , using Landsat images(1990-2015), after radiometric and atmospheric correction, three density classes of forest cover(10-40%,40-70% and above 70%) were produced. Reference maps and field study were applied for interpretation of images and maximum likelihood method was used for classification. Using ArcGis and Patch Analyst software, with derived metrics, trend of habitat loss and fragmentation was examined.