Decadal Trends in Forest and Agricultural Land Dynamics: A Remote Sensing-Based Study of Valmiki Tiger Reserve of Bihar, India and its Eco-Sensitive Zone

The present study analyzes four decades (1975–2015) of land use and land cover (LULC) changes in the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) and its surrounding eco-sensitive zone, located within the Terai Arc Landscape of India. Using multi-temporal remote sensing data and GIS techniques, the study reveals dynamic shifts in forest cover, agricultural expansion, shrubland growth, wetland resurgence, and barren land reduction. While forest cover exhibited a marginal increase due to early conservation efforts, the last decade (2005–2015) witnessed a negative growth trend, indicating rising anthropogenic pressure. Agricultural land expanded steadily, driven by population growth and land reclamation, while barren land showed a sharp decline as it was converted into cultivable and shrub-covered areas. Wetlands and water bodies demonstrated positive growth in the final decade, reflecting either ecological restoration or improved classification. These findings underscore the importance of continuous LULC monitoring to guide conservation planning, especially in protected areas where human-wildlife conflict and habitat fragmentation remain pressing concerns. The study emphasizes the need for integrated land management strategies to ensure sustainable coexistence between biodiversity conservation and human development.