Potential applications of remotely sensed vegetation greenness to habitat analysis and the conservation of dispersive fauna

Abstract

Remotely sensed (satellite) time-series estimates of GPP (gross primary productivity) provide potentially useful information about vegetation-based habitat resources. These data are now available for the entire continent at a range of scales commensurate with those of dispersive animals, particularly bird species with large scale and irregular patterns of movement. The physical basis by which GPP can be estimated from satellite sensed vegetation greenness (NDVI) is explained, and previous habitat applications of NDVI reviewed. The results of GPP time-series analyses are presented based on a 10-year continental AVHRR data set for Australia and a five-year MODIS sequence for a portion of the Channel Country. The relationship between GPP and other trophic levels is discussed, along with possible applications to conservation biology.