Examining changes in the ecological structure of four hills in Sanandaj using object-oriented method and metrics of continuity and complexity

Hills, as one of the main components of the ecological structure in a hilly town, are influenced by human actions and affect them. The landscape Ecology Approach examines diverse ecosystems at different scales and balances human actions and natural processes. In this study, changes in the ecological structure of four significant hills in Sanandaj (Tosonozar, Nishtman, Mellat, and Didgah) were investigated using Google Earth images and two ecological metrics over 16 years (2020-2004).

The ecological structure of these hills was investigated by object-oriented method in six classification categories and their changes. Also, by using FRAGSTATS 4.2 software, the status of two ecological indicators, FRAC and CONTIGH, were calculated and checked in the hills until 6/20/2019.

Man-made elements have increased (19%) in all hills, especially in Nishtman. Also, rangeland cover has decreased (32%), especially in Tusunozar and Nazgah hills. The complexity of landscape spots in all hills except Toos-Nozar has increased. Also, the continuity Toos-Nozar has decreased except Toos-Nozar hill.

The elimination of pastures and plant species, the increase in recent fires and droughts, and the increase in human interventions such as construction and motorways, the cohesion and ecological flows of these hills have posed a severe threat. Simplification while homogeneity of landscape components in Toos-Nozar hill indicates the distance of landscape components from their natural state. The decrease in continuity in the three hills, including Mellat, Didgah, and Nishtman, indicates an increase in fragmentation and discontinuity in these hills' natural landscapes.