Modelling vegetation structure-based bird habitat resources in Australian temperate woodlands, using multi-sensors

Abstract

The Great Western Woodlands in S.W. Australia is the largest remaining expanse of temperate woodland on the continent and globally, providing habitat for a significance number of bird species. Conservation planning needs information about bird distributions and habitat resource requirements. Using published information, bird habitat functional groups were identified based upon species that use similar vegetation-based resources. Data from four satellite-borne sensors were analysed to model the distribution of a subset of the key vegetation variables. These results were then used to predict the potential distribution of the functional groups. Field validation suggests ongoing advances in satellite data will enhance the model's accuracy.

A robust approach to generate canopy cover maps using UltraCam-D derived orthoimagery classified by support vector machines in Zagros woodlands, West Iran

“…In semi-arid areas, changes in woody plant distribution have dramatic effects on ecosystem processes and functions [Wallace et al, 2008;Yang et al, 2012;Lee et al, 2013]. Remotely sensed data have been widely used to provide spatially explicit information about the heterogeneity of woody plant distribution over extensive dry regions [e.g., Mathieu et al, 2013].…”

A model analysis of climate and CO 2 controls on tree growth and carbon allocation in a semi-arid woodland

“…The GWW, with an area of about 160,000 km 2 , is the largest remaining area of intact mediterranean woodland on Earth (Watson, 2008;Lee et al, 2013). The region is unique because of the abundance and diversity of trees that grow there, despite the dry climate and nutrient-poor sandy soils (Watson, 2008;Prober et al, 2012).…”

Development of a Bird Habitat Resource Classification Scheme Based on Vegetation Structure Analysis

“…Owing to insufficient existing research on bird species known to occur within the GWW, information on the same bird species inhabiting other woodlands and forests was examined on a global scale. Identification of the vegetation structure-related habitat resources associated with these bird species was accomplished by reviewing a specialist book (Handbook of Australian, New Zealand & Antarctic Birds (HANZAB)) 4 and published journal papers 25 , focusing on the following three main categories: vegetation height as a vertical factor, and canopy cover and vegetation type as horizontal factors. Two conditions were applied for selecting the vegetation structure-related variables: (i) there should be strong interrelationships between bird habitat resources and vegetation structure, and (ii) the variables should be amenable to vegetation structure measurements commonly used in field surveys.…”

“…Two conditions were applied for selecting the vegetation structure-related variables: (i) there should be strong interrelationships between bird habitat resources and vegetation structure, and (ii) the variables should be amenable to vegetation structure measurements commonly used in field surveys. We have used the term 'vegetation habitat resource' (VHR) to indicate the variables selected in the present study 25 .…”

“…Through reviewing the published literature, eight VHR variables were selected, including nest height, foraging site and attack method (Table 1) 25 .…”