📚 Environmental Modelling – Chapter 7: Ecological Modelling (Full Chapter + Free PDF + Key Insights)
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🌱 Curious about how forests grow, how ecosystems respond to climate, or how we can estimate biomass using satellite data? Chapter 7: Ecological Modelling dives into the natural world and helps you simulate biomass, productivity, and ecosystem dynamics using modern tools like Remote Sensing and GIS.
As Nepal is rich in biodiversity and ecological zones—from the Terai grasslands to Himalayan forests—understanding and modelling ecological systems is essential for resource management, conservation, and climate adaptation.
🎥 Watch the Full Chapter Video Here:
In this chapter, you’ll explore:
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What ecological modelling is and why it matters
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How to estimate biomass and productivity
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The role of satellite data in environmental monitoring
👉 [Click Here to Watch on YouTube]
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📚 What’s Covered in This Chapter?
Chapter 7 introduces you to ecological processes and how we model them to understand vegetation health, carbon cycling, and environmental changes—using both field and satellite data.
📌 Key Topics in This Chapter:
✔️ What is Ecological Modelling?
Understand the purpose of modelling ecosystems—such as forests, grasslands, or wetlands—by simulating energy flows, species interactions, and biomass production.
✔️ Biomass Estimation
Learn how to estimate the amount of living organic matter in an area. Explore key concepts:
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Biomass
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Productivity
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NPP (Net Primary Productivity)
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GPP (Gross Primary Productivity)
✔️ Productivity Estimation Methods
Two major methods are covered:
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Ground-Based Approaches: Manual field measurements of tree diameter, canopy cover, etc.
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Remote Sensing-Based Approaches: Using satellite data (NDVI, LAI) to estimate vegetation productivity over large areas.
✔️ Leaf Area Index (LAI)
Explore this key ecological variable that measures the total leaf area relative to the ground surface area—an important indicator of plant health and biomass.
✔️ Ecological Modelling with GIS and Remote Sensing
Learn how tools like RS imagery, GIS analysis, and DEM data are used to build ecological models that estimate biomass and monitor changes in land cover or forest health.
✔️ Application of Ecological Models in Nepal
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Monitoring forest cover change in Chitwan and Rara
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Estimating carbon storage potential in mid-hill forests
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Using NDVI and LAI for drought impact studies in the Terai region
📂 Download Free PDF Notes – Chapter 7: Ecological Modelling
These student-friendly notes help you:
✅ Understand how biomass and productivity are estimated
✅ Learn real-world applications of ecological modelling in Nepal
✅ Prepare for theory and practical questions in semester & NEC exams
🔽 [Click Here to Download Chapter 7 PDF Now!]
The notes follow the syllabus of Tribhuvan University and Nepal Engineering Council (NEC) and include diagrams, methods, and terms simplified for easy understanding.
🌿 Chapter 7: Ecological Modelling – A Tool for Sustainable Environmental Management
🌍 What is Ecological Modelling?
Ecological modelling is the process of creating mathematical representations of ecosystems to understand their behavior, interactions, and changes over time. These models help scientists and policymakers simulate the complex relationships between organisms and their environment, which is essential for biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development.
🔁 Why Do We Need Ecological Models?
Ecosystems are dynamic and intricate. Human activities, climate variations, and natural disturbances constantly alter the balance of nature. By simulating these changes using ecological models, we can:
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Predict the impact of land use changes, pollution, or climate shifts
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Assess habitat suitability for endangered species
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Support policy-making through scenario-based forecasting
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Monitor ecosystem health and services
🧠 Types of Ecological Models
There are several types of models used in ecological studies, each serving a unique purpose:
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Descriptive Models
These models summarize ecological patterns using observed data. Example: A species distribution map. -
Analytical Models
Use equations to represent relationships between ecosystem components. They are useful for simple, theoretical insights. -
Simulation Models
These are computer-based and allow for dynamic, complex, and non-linear interactions among system variables. Example: Forest growth models under different climate scenarios. -
Spatial Models
These include GIS-based models that analyze ecological phenomena across geographical areas. Used for planning reserves or analyzing deforestation trends.
🛠️ Tools and Software
Some widely-used ecological modelling tools include:
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STELLA and Vensim – for systems dynamics and flow modelling
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R and Python (with packages like
deSolve,ecospat) – for statistical and predictive modelling -
MaxEnt (Maximum Entropy Modelling) – for species distribution modelling
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InVEST (Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs) – to quantify ecosystem services
These tools empower researchers to create data-driven insights for real-world ecological problems.
📍 Applications in the Nepali Context
In Nepal, ecological modelling is particularly useful in:
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Forest and Wildlife Conservation: Modelling habitats of species like the Bengal tiger or red panda.
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Agro-Ecological Zoning: Helping farmers adapt to changing climate conditions.
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Watershed Management: Understanding the impact of deforestation on water resources.
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Pollution Monitoring: Assessing how industrial or urban pollution affects aquatic ecosystems like the Bagmati River.
⚠️ Challenges and Limitations
Nepal faces several barriers in the effective use of ecological modelling:
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Lack of Localized Data: Many models depend on global datasets, which may not reflect Nepal's unique ecosystems.
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Technical Expertise: Training in ecological modelling is still limited.
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Interdisciplinary Gaps: Lack of integration between ecological, socio-economic, and technological fields.
Bridging these gaps will be crucial for leveraging ecological models in environmental decision-making.
🔮 Looking Ahead
The future of ecological modelling lies in integration—with climate models, AI-based analysis, and participatory mapping with local communities. These innovations can make models more adaptive, real-time, and relevant for decision-makers.
📘 Conclusion
Ecological modelling plays a vital role in understanding and protecting the natural world. As Nepal strives for sustainable development, these models will be essential for making data-informed, eco-conscious decisions.
📝 Who Should Use These Notes?
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6th Semester Civil and Geomatics Engineering students
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NEC License Exam candidates
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Anyone interested in GIS, ecology, and natural resource management
📌 Explore More Lessons from Environmental Modelling
📣 Want complete notes for the entire Environmental Modelling course? Check out other chapters below:
📚 Chapter 1: Introduction to Environmental Modelling – Download PDF
📚 Chapter 2: Fundamentals of Environmental Systems – Download PDF
📚 Chapter 3: Modelling Approaches and Techniques – Download PDF
📚 Chapter 4: Model Evaluation – Download PDF
📚 Chapter 5: Climate and Hydrological Modelling – Download PDF
📚 Chapter 6: Advanced Modelling Applications – Download PDF
📚 Chapter 7: Ecological Modelling– Download PDF
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