Detection and evaluation of time-based occupations and encroachments in pasture lands: The case of Malatya province

Pastures are strategic landscapes that offer abundant natural feed resources for both domestic and wild animals. By meeting roughage needs, they help minimize reliance on prepared feed and provide significant economic, health, and social benefits for the sustainability of animal production. However, repurposing or occupying these areas for various uses reduces the available pastureland, leading to declines in livestock productivity and the loss of endemic plant and animal species. This underscores the critical importance of pasture conservation and sustainable management. In Turkey, recent developments such as the "Zoning Amnesty" law (2018), the Covid-19 pandemic (2019–2020), and the aftermath of the Elazığ/Sivrice (2020) and Kahramanmaraş (2023) earthquakes have prompted people to seek out isolated living spaces. Consequently, interest in agricultural pursuits like cultivating fields and gardens, as well as in standalone housing, has risen, accelerating the occupation of pasturelands for mass housing, shelters, and village homes. This study investigates the rate of pasture occupation and its temporal changes in selected neighborhoods within the Akçadağ, Hekimhan, Battalgazi, and Yeşilyurt districts of Malatya province. By analyzing Google Earth Pro satellite images from 2003 to 2024, the research reveals the extent of pasture encroachment for various purposes and monitors how it has evolved over time. For instance, since 2003, 0.7% of the pasture areas in Bahri Neighborhood have been used for housing and 23.8% for agricultural purposes. In Merdivenler Neighborhood, 0.06% has been converted to housing and 31.16% to agricultural use. These figures highlight the ongoing reduction of pasturelands and the necessity for their protection. The findings also demonstrate that satellite imagery is an effective tool for identifying pasture occupation. Thanks to Google Earth Pro's archived images, these encroachments can be monitored annually, enabling comprehensive evaluations. Overall, the study shows that remote sensing methods play a valuable role in conserving pasture areas, managing them sustainably, and preventing illegal usage.