Mapping and monitoring of the structure and function of rangeland ecosystems in central Zagros, Iran

This study sought to investigate the feasibility of using field data and remote sensing structural and functional indices in the evaluation and monitoring of semi-steppe rangelands of Isfahan Province, Iran. The study area was first divided into 40 sub-catchments, and rangeland conditions in each sub-catchment were classified into three classes using the four-factor method (FFM). Landsat TM and OLI images for 1987 and 2015 were obtained, and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was calculated. The structure of the area was evaluated using landscape function analysis (LFA) and rangeland landscape metrics. Rangeland function was also assessed and statistically compared using LFA and the leakiness index (LI). In order to clarify the effects of climate and management on rangeland function, changes in the standardized precipitation index (SPI) were computed and monitored at different intervals. The results indicated the reduction of structural indices, rangeland conditions, and patch sizes over time. Structural metrics suggested the fragmentation of the rangelands with 40–60% canopy cover and the development of rangelands with 0–20%. The structural changes affected rangeland function, and thus reduced the functions of the studied sub-catchments over the 28-year period ( p