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Classification and Characterization of Landscapes in the Territory of Adilabad District, Telangana, Deccan Region, India

2017; Scientific Research Publishing; Volume: 04; Issue: 07 Linguagem: Inglês

10.4236/oalib.1103745

2333-9721

Medagam Thirupathi Reddy, Someswara Rao Pandravada, N. Sivaraj, Venkateswaran Kamala, N. Sunil, Nilamani Dikshit,

Aquatic Ecosystems and Biodiversity

We are in the Anthropocene and recent studies have revealed that conventional land management strategies diminished natural landscapes and created anthropogenic ones.The classification and characterization of landscapes, therefore, provide a mechanism for quantifying anthropogenic changes to the landscape systems in the Anthropocene.This study was aimed at classifying and characterizing landscapes in the territory of Adilabad District, Telangana, Deccan region, India, which was selected as the area of case study.It was a multi-method approach, where ecogeographic and environmental data were gathered using user/visual-based approach, while socio-economic data were gathered through direct observations, interviews, focus group discussions, questionnaires and literature surveys.The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.The study was undertaken by National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Regional Station, Rajendranagar in collaboration with Vegetable Research Station, Rajendranagar during 2010-2012.In the District, a very wide range of land use types was observed.In the last 60 years, the District's landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation and fragmentation as a consequence of anthropogenic activities like deforestation, agriculture expansion, intensive agriculture, transport infrastructure, urbanization, trade, tourism and recreation.The results revealed that there is a growing body of evidence supporting the hypothesis that the geographical space, which is a mosaic of natural and anthropogenic landscapes (semi-natural and artificial landscapes), is limited in the District.Hills, valleys, forests, rivers, streams, waterfalls and lakes were certain natural landscapes with little or no human impact found in the District.Traditional land management strategies including burning and clearing practiced by indigenous tribal communities, the na-