The potential of remotely-sensed data to identify suitable sites for the reintroduction of Arabian Oryx (Oryx leucoryx)

Abstract

We assessed vegetation cover density and distribution in Eastern Jordanian rangeland reserves (2411 km2) using a series of Landsat images (34 year’s period) and ground cover survey (2020) to identify proper sites for reintroducing Arabian Oryx (Oryx leucoryx). The natural reserves were Burqu Nature Reserve site-1, and site-2 (Dmetheh), and Al Dahek Nature Reserve. Satellite sensor data from Landsat-8-OLI and Landsat- 5-TM were used to derive Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) between 1986 and 2020 and across growing seasons (March and April). The Dmetheh site had the highest vegetation cover density over the growing season and across years (1986-2020). Scattered shrubs and grasses (NDVI: 0.1–0.2) consistently covered more than 40% (600-700 km2) of the Dmetheh reserve, while in the other reserves vegetation cover were inconsistent and covered less than 500 km2. Considering the Landsat- NDVI results, Dmetheh site was selected for further assessment. Ground survey of Dmetheh site showed that there were 54 palatable species (53% of total plants) and total ground vegetation cover (%) of the site in March was about 22.5%. The relationship between Landsat-NDVI values and ground vegetation cover was significant (R2=73.3, P<0.001). Overall, remotely-sensed data hold promise for the assessment process of identifying proper sites to reintroduce Arabian Oryx in arid environments.