Spatial E-PSR modelling for ecological sensitivity assessment for arid rangeland resilience and management

In semi-arid regions, land vulnerability and food security are crucial challenges for the scientific community, as millions of livestock keepers depend on rangeland ecosystem services. However, the Aravalli range is a fragile ecotonal arid ecosystem of western India, which acts as a barrier against the desertification of the Thar Desert. Besides increasing biotic pressure, land cover change, precipitation variability, and climate water deficits have a high potential to render the exploitation of resources unsustainable. This study is on the urgent basis addressing the sensitivity, fragility, and vulnerability status for rangeland ecosystem conservation management practices. Based on 17 distinct environmental indicators under five themes: topography, geo-climatic, socio-economic, ecological, and edaphic, which measure their susceptibility. Then, they evaluate their characteristics and sensitivity responses, as well as the resilience capabilities of the areas, utilizing the integrative methodology of the E-PSR (Ecosystem – Pressure, Sensitivity, and Resilience) model using a weightage decision matrix geostatistical approach. As a result, the study area is categorised into four eco-sensitive areas: I, II, III, and IV; they have an area of 4.1%, 62.5%, 32.2%, and 1.2%, respectively. As well, vulnerability reasons, i.e., human intervention, regulations, and management strategies for the arid rangeland ecosystem were discussed. To achieve eco-sensitivity and ecosystem stability in this study area, the government and conservationists must manage invasive species dominance and adjust buffer zones in reserve areas. In addition, study suggests using cutting-edge-technology for monitoring. In sum, this study helps governments and ecologists understand arid mountainous environments, their sensitivity and management.