Habitat Prediction for Texas Trailing Phlox (Phlox nivalis ssp.texensis) Using Landsat Thematic Mapper and Ancillary Biophysical Data
Schwelling SR, Showalter PS, Singhurst JR, German CD. 2003. Habitat Prediction for Texas Trailing Phlox (Phlox nivalis ssp.texensis) Using Landsat Thematic Mapper and Ancillary Biophysical Data
An automated methodology was evaluated for identifying remaining habitat of Texas Trailing Phlox (Phlox nivalis ssp.texensis), an endangered herbaceous perennial restricted to deep sandy soils of remnant Longleaf Pine savannas in East Texas. A supervised training field classification was conducted on Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) data. Slope and soils criteria were used to improve the initial multispectral classification. Two classifications were produced. The first indicates those areas that potentially represent remnant Pine savannas. The second classification, constrained by soils criteria, represents a habitat prediction for Texas Trailing Phlox. Producer’s accuracy was assessed by evaluating classified pixels against reference data contained in the Texas Biological Conservation Database (BCD). The Longleaf Pine savanna classification correctly predicted 87 percent of the BCD reference locations. The Texas Trailing Phlox classification correctly predicted 87.5 percent of the verified BCD Trailing Phlox sites. The use of dated TM imagery prevented assessment of user’s accuracy. If repeated on current satellite imagery, the methodology used in this study may facilitate restoration and recovery of Texas Trailing Phlox by improving chances for successful identification of remnant habitatthroughout the species’ historic range.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Schwelling, Steven; Showalter, Pamela; Singhurst, Jason; German, C.
- Date of Issue
- 2003
- Units
- BITH
- Keywords
- Big Thicket National Preserve, BITH, habitat prediction, Landsat Thematic Mapper, Phlox nivalis ssp.texensis, Texas Trailing Phlox