Spatial-Temporal Analysis of Changes in Dena Protected Area using Landscape Metrics

Landscape Ecology is a new view that the effects of spatial pattern on ecological processes presents. Some important principles of landscape ecology are; landscape composition, structure and function and change. For quantitative characteristics of landscape, and Landscape-scale habitat assessment; Landscape metrics are used with quantitative characteristics of landscape and influence on manager planning for faster and cheaper protection. This paper is based on using these metrics for conservation in Dena protected area.
In order to evaluate and analysis of spatial-temporal changes, satellite images (MSS 1976 and IRS 2008) of Dena protected Area were used. In the first step, land use map Including agriculture, forestry, urban, rock and pasture was prepared. Second, the accuracy assessment was conducted. Third, the spatial distributions of patches were calculated by landscape metrics; and trends were analyzed. Statistical analysis for the 30-year period of supervised maximum similar method and the method of determination of the maximum likelihood classification algorithm was applied. Calculations show that the areas of ​​farmland ، Habitat, Tin Forest and Ranges Increased and  Dense F. Semi D.F. , Rang quality and rocks reduced.