Land | Special Issue : Geospatial Data in Landscape Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation

Research

14 pages, 3182 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecological Connectivity of Vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) in a Remote Area of Chile and Conservation Implications

by Cristina Mata, Benito A. González, Denise S. Donoso, Nicolás Fuentes-Allende, Cristián F. Estades and Juan E. Malo

Land 2024, 13(4), 472; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13040472 - 07 Apr 2024

Viewed by 496

Abstract

Ecological connectivity is key for the long-term viability of species and is necessary when facing disturbance or global change, and geospatial analysis tools are key to exploring it with conservation aims. The vicuña is an ungulate endemic from South American highlands that faced [...] Read more.

Ecological connectivity is key for the long-term viability of species and is necessary when facing disturbance or global change, and geospatial analysis tools are key to exploring it with conservation aims. The vicuña is an ungulate endemic from South American highlands that faced extinction risk fifty years ago and is now slowly expanding and increasing in numbers. At present, it has a patchy distribution that may partially reflect connectivity limitations, an issue which can be key for its conservation under climate change. We developed a habitat suitability model using MaxEnt and location data of vicuñas in the Tarapacá region (Northern Chile), combined with spatial layers derived from remotely sensed imagery. We then used these results as the basis for a cost surface layer, and we examined habitat connectivity using least-cost and graph theory methods. Results showed the relevance for the species of habitat patches in the Southern part of the study area, out of protected areas, and the fact that ecological connectivity relies mainly on the intra-patch and flux components. These results should guide conservation actions for the species in the area and exemplify the relevance of remote sensing and geospatial models in the study of remote areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geospatial Data in Landscape Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation)

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19 pages, 4137 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unveiling Sri Lanka’s Wilderness: GIS-Based Modelling of Wilderness Attributes

by Uthpala Mudalige and Steve Carver

Land 2024, 13(4), 402; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13040402 - 22 Mar 2024

Viewed by 736

Abstract

This research presents the first detailed national wilderness mapping project conducted in Sri Lanka, aiming to identify and assess the spatial distribution of wilderness areas in the country. The study utilises a GIS-based Wilderness Quality Index (WQI), incorporating three main wilderness attributes: remoteness [...] Read more.

This research presents the first detailed national wilderness mapping project conducted in Sri Lanka, aiming to identify and assess the spatial distribution of wilderness areas in the country. The study utilises a GIS-based Wilderness Quality Index (WQI), incorporating three main wilderness attributes: remoteness from public roads, absence of modern human interventions, and naturalness of land cover. The resulting wilderness quality map reveals several areas of high wilderness quality distributed throughout the country, with exceptions in the highly populated western region, where roads and built structures have significant impact. The research highlights the spatial correlation between the distribution of wilderness areas and protected areas, indicating that nearly all wilderness areas in Sri Lanka fall within the boundaries of existing protected areas. However, core wilderness areas outside existing protected areas, termed de facto wilderness areas, constitute a significant portion (19.7%) of total wilderness, raising concerns about their conservation status. The study emphasises the need for further evaluation to assess the ecological and landscape value of these areas and suggests new protected area boundaries. The wilderness quality map developed here provides policymakers with a valuable tool for future conservation planning, enabling informed decision making to preserve and protect Sri Lanka’s diverse and unique wilderness areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geospatial Data in Landscape Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation)

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23 pages, 5399 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prompt Mapping Tree Positions with Handheld Mobile Scanners Based on SLAM Technology

by Juliána Chudá, Jozef Výbošťok, Julián Tomaštík, František Chudý, Daniel Tunák, Michal Skladan, Ján Tuček and Martin Mokroš

Land 2024, 13(1), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13010093 - 13 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1257

Abstract

In this study, we evaluated the performance of GeoSLAM ZEB Horizon and Stonex X120GO SLAM handheld mobile laser scanners (HMLS) to address two primary objectives. First, we aimed to assess and compare the accuracy of positioning achieved using HMLS instruments. Second, we sought [...] Read more.

In this study, we evaluated the performance of GeoSLAM ZEB Horizon and Stonex X120GO SLAM handheld mobile laser scanners (HMLS) to address two primary objectives. First, we aimed to assess and compare the accuracy of positioning achieved using HMLS instruments. Second, we sought to investigate the influencing factors and their impact on estimation accuracies. The factors influencing the accuracy of positioning in HMLS Simultaneous Localization and Mapping-aided solutions were defined, considering the scanner type, distance from the trajectory, forest structure, tree species, and Diameter at Breast Height. The same type of trajectory was tested in five different stand structures. The evaluation of GeoSLAM HMLS point clouds yielded an average positional RMSE of 17.91 cm, while the data extracted from the Stonex HMLS resulted in an average positional RMSE of 17.33 cm. These results underscore the significant potential of HMLS technology in addressing the critical need for precise positioning data in various applications, from forestry management to environmental monitoring, wildlife habitat assessment, and climate change studies. By harnessing the power of handheld mobile laser scanners, our research aims to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of geospatial data capture in challenging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geospatial Data in Landscape Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation)

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23 pages, 5555 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Mapping and Quantification of Miombo Deforestation in the Lubumbashi Charcoal Production Basin (DR Congo): Spatial Extent and Changes between 1990 and 2022

by Héritier Khoji Muteya, Dieu-donné N’Tambwe Nghonda, Franco Mwamba Kalenda, Harold Strammer, François Munyemba Kankumbi, François Malaisse, Jean-François Bastin, Yannick Useni Sikuzani and Jan Bogaert

Land 2023, 12(10), 1852; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12101852 - 28 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1021

Abstract

Population growth in the city of Lubumbashi in the southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) is leading to increased energy needs, endangering the balance of the miombo woodland in the rural area referred to as the Lubumbashi charcoal production basin (LCPB). [...] Read more.

Population growth in the city of Lubumbashi in the southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) is leading to increased energy needs, endangering the balance of the miombo woodland in the rural area referred to as the Lubumbashi charcoal production basin (LCPB). In this study, we quantified the deforestation of the miombo woodland in the LCPB via remote sensing and landscape ecology analysis tools. Thus, the analysis of Landsat images from 1990, 1998, 2008, 2015 and 2022 was supported by the random forest classifier. The results showed that the LCPB lost more than half of its miombo woodland cover between 1990 (77.90%) and 2022 (39.92%) and was converted mainly to wooded savannah (21.68%), grassland (37.26%), agriculture (2.03%) and built-up and bare soil (0.19). Consecutively, grassland became the new dominant land cover in 2022 (40%). Therefore, the deforestation rate (−1.51%) is almost six-times higher than the national average (−0.26%). However, persistent miombo woodland is characterised by a reduction, over time, in its largest patch area and the complexity of its shape. Consequently, because of anthropogenic activities, the dynamics of the landscape pattern are mainly characterised by the attrition of the miombo woodland and the creation of wooded savannah, grassland, agriculture and built-up and bare soil. Thus, it is urgent to develop a forest management plan and find alternatives to energy sources and the sedentarisation of agriculture by supporting local producers to reverse these dynamics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geospatial Data in Landscape Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation)

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19 pages, 4248 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Where Will Threatened Aegle marmelos L., a Tree of the Semi-Arid Region, Go under Climate Change? Implications for the Reintroduction of the Species

by Muhammad Waheed, Shiekh Marifatul Haq, Fahim Arshad, Muhammad Azhar Jameel, Manzer H. Siddiqui, Rainer W. Bussmann, Nabeel Manshoor and Saud Alamri

Land 2023, 12(7), 1433; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12071433 - 18 Jul 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1706

Abstract

The conservation of threatened species and the restoration of ecosystems have emerged as crucial ecological prerequisites in the context of a changing global environment. One such species of significant commercial value is the Bael tree, scientifically known as Aegle marmelos, which is [...] Read more.

The conservation of threatened species and the restoration of ecosystems have emerged as crucial ecological prerequisites in the context of a changing global environment. One such species of significant commercial value is the Bael tree, scientifically known as Aegle marmelos, which is native to semi-arid regions in Pakistan. However, the species faces threats in Pakistan due to overexploitation and changing land use. To support sustainable production practices and agricultural planning, it is important to investigate how climate change has affected the geographic distribution of Aegle marmelos. Additionally, the impact of climate change on its frequency and distribution remains uncertain. To address these concerns, we employed species distribution modeling techniques using MaxEnt and GIS to predict the present and future distribution of favorable habitats for Aegle marmelos. Based on our findings, several key bioclimatic variables were identified as significant influencers of Aegle marmelos distribution. These variables include soil bulk density (bdod), isothermality (bio03), precipitation during the warmest quarter (bio18), and mean temperature during the wettest quarter (bio08). Currently, the potential suitable habitat for Aegle marmelos spans an area of approximately 396,869 square kilometers, primarily concentrated in the regions of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan in Pakistan. The habitats deemed highly suitable for Aegle marmelos are predominantly found in upper and central Punjab. However, if climate change persists, the suitable habitats in Pakistan are likely to become more fragmented, resulting in a significant shift in the overall suitable area. Moreover, the distribution center of the species is expected to relocate towards the southeast, leading to increased spatial separation over time. The results of this research significantly contribute to our understanding of the geo-ecological aspects related to Aegle marmelos. Furthermore, they provide valuable recommendations for the protection, management, monitoring, and sustainable production of this species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geospatial Data in Landscape Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation)

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19 pages, 7507 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantifying Dieback in a Vulnerable Population of Eucalyptus macrorhyncha Using Remote Sensing

by Donna L. Fitzgerald, Stefan Peters, Gregory R. Guerin, Andrew McGrath and Gunnar Keppel

Land 2023, 12(7), 1271; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12071271 - 21 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1200

Abstract

A disjunct population of red stringybark (Eucalyptus macrorhyncha) trees in South Australia is experiencing increasing amounts of dieback. Because the population is considered vulnerable to extinction, we investigated spatiotemporal vegetation changes, quantified the extent of dieback, and determined how topography influences [...] Read more.

A disjunct population of red stringybark (Eucalyptus macrorhyncha) trees in South Australia is experiencing increasing amounts of dieback. Because the population is considered vulnerable to extinction, we investigated spatiotemporal vegetation changes, quantified the extent of dieback, and determined how topography influences dieback using aerial and satellite imagery. Classification of vegetation health status using hyperspectral aerial imagery indicated that 37% (accuracy = 0.87 Kappa) of the population was unhealthy and potentially experiencing dieback. When correlating this classification with a digital terrain model (DTM), the aspect and amount of solar radiation had the strongest relationship with the presence of unhealthy vegetation. PlanetScope satellite-derived, and spectral index-based analysis indicated that 7% of the red stringybark population experienced negative vegetation health changes during a five-year period (2017–2022), with positive vegetation health changes (9.5%) noted on pole-facing slopes. Therefore, our integrated remote sensing approach documented the extent and spatiotemporal dynamics of dieback, suggesting it could be applied in other studies. Topographical aspects exposed to high-solar radiation were particularly vulnerable to dieback, and pole-facing aspects demonstrated some recovery between droughts. The influence of topography and maps of vegetation health can be used to guide future management and restoration of the population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geospatial Data in Landscape Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation)

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20 pages, 3132 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influential Factors of the Habitat Quality of the Red-crowned Crane: A Case Study of Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, China

by Yuxun Wang, Liang Fang, Chao Liu, Lanxin Wang and Huimei Xu

Land 2023, 12(6), 1219; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12061219 - 12 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1140

Abstract

In order to effectively protect the habitat of cranes, this study constructs an indicator evaluation system based on the ecology–economy–society complex system and adopts the comprehensive “entropy weight method and analytic hierarchy process” evaluation model and coupled coordination model to scientifically measure the [...] Read more.

In order to effectively protect the habitat of cranes, this study constructs an indicator evaluation system based on the ecology–economy–society complex system and adopts the comprehensive “entropy weight method and analytic hierarchy process” evaluation model and coupled coordination model to scientifically measure the degree of coordinated development of the EES system in Yancheng. Further, a negative binomial regression model based on LASSO was used to analyze the key factors affecting the habitat quality of red-crowned cranes, and a support vector regression model was used to predict the population size of the cranes. The results show that the degree of the coordinated development of the EES system exhibited a fluctuating upward phenomenon, and the population size of the cranes also had a similar evolutionary trend, which indicates that the interaction between the two was significant and that the degree of the coordinated development of the system had a positive impact on the quality of the habitat of the cranes. Three types of ecological indicators (normalized difference vegetation index, annual precipitation, and soil erosion area) and three types of social indicators (natural growth rate, rural Engel coefficient, and public library collection) are the key factors affecting the population size of the cranes. The prediction results of the support vector regression model showed that the population of the cranes showed a fluctuating upward trend during the prediction interval, with a maximum of 952 cranes and an overall growth rate of 69.70%. The population size of the cranes is related to human social activities and the surrounding ecological environment, and the main reason for the decline in the population size of the cranes is the destruction of the local vegetation cover by the rapidly growing population and frequent human activities. Therefore, to improve the habitat quality of the cranes, local government departments need to strengthen the publicity of wildlife conservation, reduce agricultural land reclamation and pesticide pollution, and promote the coordinated development of the EES system in the Yancheng area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geospatial Data in Landscape Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation)

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21 pages, 4717 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Cumulative Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Anthropogenic Impacts in the Protected Area of the Gran Paradiso National Park in the NW Alps, Italy

by Chiara Richiardi, Maria Rita Minciardi, Consolata Siniscalco and Maria Adamo

Land 2023, 12(6), 1124; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12061124 - 24 May 2023

Viewed by 3034

Abstract

Anthropogenic threats are responsible for habitat degradation and biodiversity decline. The mapping of the distribution and intensity of threats to biodiversity can be useful for informing efficient planning in protected areas. In this study, we propose a cumulative spatial and temporal analysis of [...] Read more.

Anthropogenic threats are responsible for habitat degradation and biodiversity decline. The mapping of the distribution and intensity of threats to biodiversity can be useful for informing efficient planning in protected areas. In this study, we propose a cumulative spatial and temporal analysis of anthropogenic impacts insisting on an alpine protected area, the Gran Paradiso National Park. The applied methodology starts with the construction of a spatial and temporal dataset of anthropogenic impacts and normalization based on relative intensity. The impacts analyzed include overgrazing, helicopter flights, road networks, built-up areas, worksites, derivations and discharges, sports activities, and dams and hydroelectric power plants. Each impact was assigned a weight based on its temporal persistence. Threats maps obtained from the collected, normalized, and weighted geodata are thus obtained. Finally, the risk map is calculated by combining the impact map with the vulnerability map, estimated through the methodology outlined in the Green Guidelines of the Metropolitan City of Turin. The risk map obtained was cross-referenced with the Park’s cartography to highlight any critical issues to specific habitats. Results show that most of the territory falls in low-risk (63%) or no-risk (35%) areas. However, there are some habitats that are totally or nearly totally affected by some degree of risk, although different to zero, such as the “Lentic waters with aquatic vegetation [incl. cod. 3130]”, the “Lentic waters partially buried”, the “Mountain pine forests (Pinus uncinata) [cod. 9430]”, and the “Mixed hygrophilous woods of broad-leaved trees [incl. cod. 91E0]”. This study highlights both the potential of these analyses, which enable informed management and planning of the fruition of protected areas, and the limitations of such approaches, which require in-depth knowledge of the territory and ecosystems and how they respond to threats in order to refine the model and obtain realistic maps. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geospatial Data in Landscape Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation)

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