scholarly journals Investigating the Relationship between Tree Species Diversity and Landsat-8 Spectral Heterogeneity across Multiple Phenological Stages

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 2467
Author(s):  
Sabelo Madonsela ◽  
Moses A. Cho ◽  
Abel Ramoelo ◽  
Onisimo Mutanga
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Plant Species Diversity ◽  
Landsat 8 ◽  
Tree Species Diversity ◽  
Phenological Stages ◽  
Species Diversity Indices ◽  
The Relationship

The emergence of the spectral variation hypothesis (SVH) has gained widespread attention in the remote sensing community as a method for deriving biodiversity information from remotely sensed data. SVH states that spectral heterogeneity on remotely sensed imagery reflects environmental heterogeneity, which in turn is associated with high species diversity and, therefore, could be useful for characterizing landscape biodiversity. However, the effect of phenology has received relatively less attention despite being an important variable influencing plant species spectral responses. The study investigated (i) the effect of phenology on the relationship between spectral heterogeneity and plant species diversity and (ii) explored spectral angle mapper (SAM), the coefficient of variation (CV) and their interaction effect in estimating species diversity. Stratified random sampling was adopted to survey all tree species with a diameter at breast height of > 10 cm in 90 × 90 m plots distributed throughout the study site. Tree species diversity was quantified by the Shannon diversity index (H′), Simpson index of diversity (D2) and species richness (S). SAM and CV were employed on Landsat-8 data to compute spectral heterogeneity. The study applied linear regression models to investigate the relationship between spectral heterogeneity metrics and species diversity indices across four phenological stages. The results showed that the end of the growing season was the most ideal phenological stage for estimating species diversity, following the SVH concept. During this period, SAM and species diversity indices (S, H′, D2) had an r2 of 0.14, 0.24, and 0.20, respectively, while CV had an r2 of 0.22, 0.22, and 0.25, respectively. The interaction of SAM and CV improved the relationship between the spectral data and H′ and D2 (from r2 of 0.24 and 0.25 to r2 of 0.32 and 0.28, respectively) at the end of the growing season. The two spectral heterogeneity metrics showed differential sensitivity to components of plant diversity. SAM had a high relationship with H′ followed by D2 and then a lower relationship with S throughout the different phenological stages. Meanwhile, CV had a higher relationship with D2 than other plant diversity indices and its relationship with S and H′ remained similar. Although the coefficient of determination was comparatively low, the relationship between spectral heterogeneity metrics and species diversity indices was statistically significant (p < 0.05) and this supports the assertion that SVH could be implemented to characterize plant species diversity. Importantly, the application of SVH should consider (i) the choice of spectral heterogeneity metric in line with the purpose of the SVH application since these metrics relate to components of species diversity differently and (ii) vegetation phenology, which affects the relationship that spectral heterogeneity has with plant species diversity.

scholarly journals Evaluating Multi-Sensors Spectral and Spatial Resolutions for Tree Species Diversity Prediction

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1033
Author(s):  
Enoch Gyamfi-Ampadu ◽  
Michael Gebreslasie ◽  
Alma Mendoza-Ponce
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Species Diversity ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Shannon Index ◽  
Coefficient Of Determination ◽  
Landsat 8 ◽  
Tree Species Diversity ◽  
Sentinel 2

Forests contribute significantly to terrestrial biodiversity conservation. Monitoring of tree species diversity is vital due to climate change factors. Remote sensing imagery is a means of data collection for predicting diversity of tree species. Since various sensors have different spectral and spatial resolutions, it is worth comparing them to ascertain which could influence the accuracy of prediction of tree species diversity. Hence, this study evaluated the influence of the spectral and spatial resolutions of PlanetScope, RapidEye, Sentinel 2 and Landsat 8 images in diversity prediction based on the Shannon diversity index (H′), Simpson diversity Index (D1) and Species richness (S). The Random Forest regression was applied for the prediction using the spectral bands of the sensors as variables. The Sentinel 2 was the best image, producing the highest coefficient of determination (R2) under both the Shannon Index (R2 = 0.926) and the Species richness (R2 = 0.923). Both the Sentinel and RapidEye produced comparable higher accuracy for the Simpson Index (R2 = 0.917 and R2 = 0.915, respectively). The PlanetScope was the second-accurate for the Species richness (R2 = 0.90), whiles the Landsat 8 was the least accurate for the three diversity indices. The outcomes of this study suggest that both the spectral and spatial resolutions influence prediction accuracies of satellite imagery.

scholarly journals Tree species diversity in the forest of Renikhayong para village in Bandarban, Bangladesh: a case study

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Jannat ◽  
M Kamruzzaman ◽  
MA Hossain ◽  
MK Hossain
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Tree Species Diversity ◽  
Height Range ◽  
Hill District ◽  
Number Of Individuals

The study was conducted to explore tree species diversity of Renikhayong para Village Common Forest (VCF) of Bandarban hill district. Stratified random sampling was carried out to assess the tree species diversity of the VCF. Renikhayong Para VCF with an area of 40 acres of land has more than 85 tree species belonging to 31 families, where Euphorbiaceae family was dominant containing 11 species followed by Rubiaceae (7 species), Moraceae (7 species), Meliaceae (5 species), Mimosaceae (5 species), Combretaceae (4 species), Lauraceae (4 species) and Anacardiaceae (3 species). Dominant tree species was Grewia nervosa. Renikhayong para VCF has diverse floristic resources that are known from the Shannon-Wiener’s diversity index (4.007), Simpson’s diversity index (0.028), Margalef’s richness index (13.21) and Species evenness index (0.90). However, number of species and number of individuals both were highest in the height range of 5 - <10 m. Similar trend was observed in dbh classes. Number of individuals were highest in dbh range of 5 - <15 cm and the lowest in ≥ 55 cm. The results depict the presence of maximum small trees in the VCF and decreasing the number of trees with the increase of tree height (m) and dbh (cm). Presence of diverse tree species and diversity indices indicate the importance and potential of the VCF for conservation and sustainable use. J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2019, 5(2): 115-126

scholarly journals Tree Species Diversity and Abundance of Akure Forest Reserve, Ondo State, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (8) ◽  
pp. 1415-1419
Author(s):  
O.M. Ogundele ◽  
P.O. Ige ◽  
Y.T. Owoeye ◽  
D.E. Abanikanda ◽  
O.O. Komolafe
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Population Distribution ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Tree Species Diversity ◽  
Forest Reserve ◽  
Wiener Diversity Index ◽  
Permanent Sample Plot ◽  
Ondo State

This study was carried out to examine the tree species diversity and abundance in a natural forest ecosystem in the Southwestern region of Nigeria. Data were collected from a four equal size sampling plot of 50×50m in a permanent sample plot section of Akure Forest Reserve. All living trees with DBH ≥ 10cm were measured and identified. A total of 956 trees were encountered. These trees were from 42 genera and 20 families. Celtis zenkeri belonging to the family of Ulmaceae was the species with the highest population distribution while Sterculiaceae was the dominant family in the study area. The Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index (Hˈ) of 3.196 and species evenness of 0.84 were obtained from the study area. The high values of diversity indices obtained indicated that the forest is rich in biodiversity and hence should be protected from any forms of disturbance to enhance sustainability as well as protect the rare species in it from going into extinction.

scholarly journals Influence of elevations on woody tree species diversity in Nam Kar Natural Reserve of Daklak province, Vietnam

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-101
Author(s):  
Thi Thanh Huong Nguyen ◽  
Thi Nhu Quynh Chau
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Species Composition ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Satellite Image ◽  
Landsat 8 ◽  
Tree Species Diversity ◽  
Number Of Species ◽  
Natural Reserve ◽  
Forest Strata

This paper describes the influence of elevation on woody tree species diversity in Nam Kar Natural Reserve of Daklak, of which remote sensing and GIS techniques were used as the tools in biodiversity inventory and assessment. The whole Reserve area was divided into four elevation classes based on DEM (Digital Elevation Model) using GIS technique. Landsat 8 satellite image was employed to stratify the forest into the four strata. A total of 4 transect lines of 100 m in length and 20 m in width (abbreviated as H1, H2, H3, and H4) established in east-west direction representing for 4 elevation classes was used for surveying biodiversity and stand structure. The different diversity indices were compared among the different elevation classes. The relationships between reflectance value of sat- ellite image, forest strata with biodiversity indices were also analysed. The result shows that the diversity of woody tree species is different among elevation classes. Based on sample plots a total of 135 tree species belonging to 42 genera was found in this area. Although a low inverse correlations were found between number of species composition, basal area, and tree density with DNs, most correlation was statistically insignificant 95%. However, a medium relation between forest strata and number of species composition were found with correlation coefficient r = 0.53 (P<0.00) in the area. Nghiên cứu này đánh giá đa dạng thực vật thân gỗ tại khu bảo tồn thiên nhiên Nam Kar theo các cấp độ cao khác nhau. Nghiên cứu đã sử dụng ảnh vệ tinh và kỹ thuật GIS để hỗ trong trong việc điều tra và đánh giá đa dạng sinh học. Toàn bộ khu bảo tồn được chia thành 4 cấp độ cao dựa vào mô hình số độ cao (DEM) được thực hiện bằng kỹ thuật GIS. Ảnh Landsat 8 đã được sử dụng để phân chia rừng thành 4 khối trạng thái. Có 4 ô tiêu chuẩn dạng dải có kích thước 100m chiều dài và 20m chiều rộng được đặt ở từng đai cao (viết tắt là H1, H2, H3, và H4) theo hướng cố định Đông – Tây để điều tra đa dạng sinh học và cấu trúc lâm phần của thực vật thân gỗ ở từng đai cao. Các chỉ số đa dạng sinh học đã được so sánh trong từng cấp độ cao. Mối quan hệ giữa giá trị ảnh, hiện trạng rừng với các chỉ số đa dạng cũng được phân tích. Kết quả nghiên cứu cho thấy có sự khác biệt về đa dạng loài thực vật thân gỗ theo từng đai cao. Dựa vào ô mẫu nghiên cứu cũng đã ước tính có 135 loài thuộc 42 chi có trong vùng nghiên cứu. Một số đặc điểm lâm phần như thành phần loài, tiết diệt ngang bình quân và mật độ cây có mối tương quan nghịch với giá trị ảnh vệ tinh tuy nhiên mối quan hệ này không có ý nghĩa thống kê ở độ tin cậy 95%. Tuy vậy nghiên cứu cho thấy có mối tương quan tương quan khá chặt giữa số loài và các khối hiện trạng rừng với hệ số tương quan là 0.53 ở mức P<0.00.

scholarly journals Analyzing the Relationship, Distribution of Tree Species Diversity, and Above-Ground Biomass on the Chitwan-Annapurna Landscape in Nepal

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Shiva Pokhrel ◽  
Chungla Sherpa
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Sea Level ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Tree Species Diversity ◽  
Above Ground Biomass ◽  
Breast Height ◽  
Ground Biomass ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Landscape Level

Forests provide numerous ecosystem goods and services. Their roles are considered as important for both climate mitigation and adaptation program. In Nepal, there are significant forest resources which are distributed in different regions; however, the studies on the spatial tree species distribution and the above-ground biomass and their relationship at the landscape level have not been well studied. This study aims to analyze the relationship, distribution of tree species diversity, and above-ground biomass at a landscape level. The data used for this study were obtained from the Forest Research and Training Center of Nepal, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), and Worldwide Wildlife Fund (WWF-Nepal). The landscape has a mean of 191.89 tons ha−1 of the above-ground biomass. The highest amount of the above-ground biomass measured was 650 tons ha−1 with 96 individual trees, and the least was 3.428 tons ha−1. The measured mean height of the tree was 11.77 m, and diameter at breast height (DBH) was 18.59 cm. In the case of the spatial distribution of the above-ground biomass, plots distributed at the middle altitude range greater than 900 meters above sea level (m. a. s. l) to 3000 meters above sea level taking more amount of the above-ground biomass (AGB). Similarly, the highest plot-level Shannon diversity index (H’) was 2.75 with an average of 0.96 at the middle altitude region followed by the lower region with an average of 0.89 and least 0.87 at a higher elevation. Above-ground biomass (R2 = 0.48) and tree height (R2 = 0.506) significantly increased with increasing elevation up to a certain level increased of elevation. Diameter at breast height (DBH) showed significance (R2 = 0.364) but small increase with increasing elevation, while the relationship among tree species diversity index, above-ground biomass, and elevation showed a weak and very weak positive relationship with R2 = 0.018 and R2 = 0.002, respectively. Based on the overall results, it is concluded that elevation has some level of influence on the forest tree diversity and above-ground biomass. The finding of this study could be useful for landscape-level resource management and planning under various changes.

Regeneration Success and Plant Species Diversity of Allegheny Hardwood Stands After Roundup Application and Shelterwood Cutting

1994 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 109-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen B. Horsley
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Species Diversity ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Woody Species ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Species Group ◽  
Plant Species Diversity ◽  
Herbaceous Species ◽  
Species Groups

Abstract The presence of desirable regeneration and plant species diversity was studied in five Allegheny hardwood stands before and for 7 yr after application of Roundup herbicide and shelterwood cutting to remove interfering understories of hayscented and New York fern, striped maple, and beech and to establish desirable hardwood regeneration. In each of five 20 ac stands, 10 ac were sprayed with 1 lb ai (active ingredient)/ac of Roundup in August 1979; the remaining 10 ac were unsprayed. The entire 20 ac stand received a shelterwood seed cut the following winter. On treated plots, fern was reduced from 57% stocking before treatment to 7% 1 yr after treatment; striped maple and beech stocking was reduced by 16% during the same time. By the fourth year after treatment, regeneration stocking of desirable hardwood species had doubled on treated plots but remained unchanged on untreated control plots. Species diversity was measured by species richness, three diversity indices--Berger-Parker, Margalef and Shannon, and index-free diversity ordering. Neither the herbicide treatment nor the shelterwood seed cut had a statistically significant effect on species richness of either woody species or herbaceous species groups. Nor was there a significant effect of treatments on woody species diversity as measured by the three diversity indices. Index-free diversity ordering showed. (1) a trend toward increase in less common species on Roundup-treated areas, and (2) the diversity of herbaceous species groups was higher in all 7 yr after treatment with Roundup. Values of the three diversity indices were higher for herbaceous species on Roundup-treated subplots for 2 to 7 yr after treatment. Much of this increase resulted from germination of seed bank grasses, sedges, and Rubus spp. With the qualification that long-term and current browsing by deer has impoverished the flora of the Allegheny hardwood forest, diminishing potential treatment effects, the study demonstrated that Roundup treatment aided desirable regeneration establishment, did not have a negative impact on woody species or herbaceous species group diversity, and may have increased diversity of herbaceous species. North. J. Appl. For. 11(4): 109-116.

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