Core Habitat Zonation for Selected Endangered Species using Remote Sensing and GIS

  • Khant, Aung Pyeh (Space Technology and Research Program, Asian Institute of Technology) ;
  • Tripathi, Nitin K. (Space Technology and Research Program, Asian Institute of Technology)
  • Published : 2003.11.03

Abstract

One of the most serious problems that the world is facing is the loss of biodiversity and habitats as a result of environmental degradation. There are several strategies to protect the habitats and biodiversity within a certain region such as establishing protected areas; monitoring the remaining forests and managing the landscape within limits have been employed. In this study, Predicted Habitat Distribution Model (simple spatial modeling) was developed using vegetation types, land use and land cover, DEM, slope, drainage, roads, human settlement areas and minimum habitat requirements of each species. Then, based on the checklist of presence and absence of each species, the final habitat maps for selected endangered species are generated. Integration of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) has proven a very effective tool to generate wildlife habitat maps at various levels. An effecting mapping could be performed based on satellite remote sensing and modeling biodiversity indicators in GIS.

Keywords