Effects of the built-up index and land surface temperature on the mangrove area change along the southern Sumatra coast

Abstract Mangrove trees have a crucial role in providing habitat and breeding for various aquatic species and averting coastal erosion caused by strong waves, tidal surges, and storm surges. Currently, the mangrove area along the Sungsang coast in South Sumatra, Indonesia, has been degraded by human activities like agriculture, fish ponds, and other infrastructure developments. In this study, we used the normalized difference built-up index (NDBI), the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and land surface temperature (LST) analysis for observing urban development and vegetation cover in the Sungsang mangrove area. This study aimed to analyze the effects of NDBI and NDVI on the LST change in the Sungsang mangrove area. Results revealed that the mangrove vegetation significantly reduced (by 23%) during 2013–2022 years, in contrast to the built-up development and the LST gradually increased. The area with a temperature value greater than 20 °C was characterized by mangrove degradation, expanding around the peripheral area. There was a strong positive correlation between LST and NDBI (r = 0.90, p < 0.01), and a moderate correlation between LST and NDVI (r = 0.74, p < 0.05). Thus, the built-up index greatly influenced the vegetation area within the study site. This study assists the authority in comprehending their recent mangrove status and promoting sustainable actions for mangrove vegetation and urban management.