Utilizing high-resolution Pléiades satellite imagery for Habitat Quality Modeling in the forested rural eco-regions of Sai Yok National Park, Thailand

Abstract

This Study emphasizes the potential of employing high-resolution Pléiades data for future global forest-habitat eco-region monitoring and management. The assessment involves two key steps: habitat quality modelling and habitat risk assessment. The InVEST Habitat Quality model is employed to estimate the range of habitat and vegetation types, along with gauging their level of degradation using habitat quality and land use land cover as indicators. Concurrently, the Habitat Risk Assessment model is utilized to evaluate the threats posed by human activities to habitats of forested rural eco-regions. These models incorporate elevation, slope, road networks, river systems, and land use as crucial input parameters for modeling and identifying areas where conservation efforts would have the most positive impact on habitat. Indices-based spatial analysis has been coupled with the InVEST model output to refine the habitat quality model output. Furthermore, the study aims to observe the trade-offs between various ecosystem services arising from anthropogenic pressures and the effects of climate change.