A Remote Sensing and GIS-Based Model of Habitat as a Predictor of Biodiversity

Authors(s): D. Debinski, M. Jakubauskas and K. Kindscher

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Publication Date: 0000-00-00

Type: annual report

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Abstract: Objectives The first objective of the research was to determine whether there is a relationship between spectral reflectance patterns as measured through remote sensing instruments and plant or animal species assemblage patterns.;The second objective was to test the ability to predict species assemblages based upon knowledge of this relationship.;The final objective was to determine which remote sensing bands, band combinations, or band transformations are most useful for predicting species assemblages. Findings and Status During 1996, we established 30 new sites in Grand Teton National Park. These sites were intended to be used as a comparison to the sites in the northern part of the GYE. Butterfly and vegetation data were collected in five spatial replicates of each of five meadow types. Vegetation was sampled with 20 x 20 m plots, estimating the cover of all species present. Butterflies were surveyed in 50 x 50 m plots, twice during the season. Data analysis is currently underway. Vegetation data will be used to determine which sites are dominated by wetlands through the use of a wetland plant index. Discriminant analysis will be used to determine which butterfly species are most highly correlated with each of the six meadow types.; Butterfly voucher specimens are being housed at the AMK Ranch in Grand Teton National Park and Iowa State University in Dr. Debinski's laboratory. Plant vouchers are being housed at the McGregor Herbarium at the University of Kansas.

Keywords: animal, bird, ornithology, entomology, Aves, insect, Insecta, butterfly, Lepidoptera, Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, habitat, population, ecology