A remote sensing and GIS-based model of habitat as a predictor of biodiversity
Debinski DM and Kindscher K. 1994. A remote sensing and GIS-based model of habitat as a predictor of biodiversity. University of Wyoming/National Park Service Research Center Annual Report. 18th Annual Report. University of Wyoming National Park Service Research Center
The objectives of this research were: 1) to determine the extent of the correlation between spectral reflectance patterns and plant or animal species distribution patterns, and 2) to test the spatial correspondence of species diversity "hotspots" among taxonomic groups. Field surveys in 1993 and 1994 validated the vegetation density, cover, and moisture gradients expected from satellite data interpretation. Both tree species composition and diameter at breast height were significant in discriminating among forest types. Twenty-two species of grasses and forbs were significant in distinguishing among meadow types. However, a smaller percentage of the animal species was significantly correlated with one habitat type. In order to find a strong correlation between species distribution patterns and remotely sensed data, a species must be moderately common and show some habitat specificity. Hotspots of species diversity coincided for shrubs, grasses, forbs, birds, and butterflies and were found in mesic meadows.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Debinski, Diane; Kindscher, Kelly
- Date of Issue
- 1994
- Publisher
- University of Wyoming National Park Service Research Center
- Units
- GLAC , YELL
- Keywords
- Biodiversity, Ecology, GIS, Habitats, Modeling, Remote Sensing