Development of WebGIS using open source geospatial technologies for Krau Wildlife Reserve

Abstract

Malaysia has a significant amount of biodiversity and has developed protected areas to conserve and sustain this tremendous degree of biodiversity. A protected area is known for its recognized natural, ecological or cultural values. However, the protected areas confront many obstacles, including poor or non-existent management plans. Remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can help with the speedy and cost-effective identification of biodiversity and environmentally sensitive areas. WebGIS (Web-based GIS) is useful for simplifying complicated geographical and temporal data on biodiversity such as the existence of threatened species, protected areas, and as well as on socially and environmentally significant ecosystem services. This study aimed to produce a WebGIS platform for Krau Wildlife Reserve (KWR) protected area using geospatial remote sensing and GIS data. The developed WebGIS played an important role in evaluating human activities near KWR that may impact the ecology and result in the extinction of natural habitats.