A Study of Land Cover Change in Bamdej Wetland with Landscape Ecology Approach

Bamdej wetland is a riverine wetland in Khouzestan province, Iran and it provides suitable habitats for many bird species. Conservation work of this wetland was affected by land cover spatial pattern and unconscionable land use. Aim of this study was to investigate the changes in landscape spatial pattern in Bamdej wetland and its neighbouring areas. Land cover maps were obtained from 1989 and 2008 Satellite images. For analysis of changes in spatial patterns the parameters used were NP (Number of Patches), CA (Total (Class) Area), PLAND (Percentage of Landscape), LSI (Landscape Shape Index), IJI (Interspersion and Juxtaposition Index), MPS (Mean Patch Shape) and LPI (Largest Patch Index) landscape metrics. The results showed that, spatial landscape in the study area was fragmented, and more complexity and more irregular occurred. Results of metrics analysis showed water and brushwood classes as ecological and valuable habitats 4% and 6% losses respectively. Also 9% increase in bareland indicated signs of replacement of ecological and economical land with unvalued lands.