Remote Sensing and GIS Applications in Environmental Sciences

Habitat Changes assessment of Chlamydotis macqueenii in South Khorasan Using Remote Sensing

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 M.Sc student of Environmental Sciecnes, Department of Environmental Sciecnes, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran

2 Department of Environmental Sciecnes, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran

10.22034/rsgi.2024.63909.1103

Abstract

Satellite imagery and remote sensing technology, due to their cost-effectiveness and appropriate accuracy, are valuable tools for identifying land use and detecting changes. These technologies provide expanding opportunities for wildlife and habitat conservation across diverse spatial and temporal scales. The MacQueen’s Houbara (Chlamydotis macqueenii), a resident of arid and semi-arid habitats, faces multiple threats such as hunting, illegal trade, trafficking, and habitat destruction, categorizing it as vulnerable (VU) on the conservation status list. This study aimed to identify and examine habitat changes for the MacQueen’s Houbara in South Khorasan Province, Iran over three years: 2000, 2013, and 2023, in order to facilitate effective conservation efforts. Using Google Earth Engine (GEE), satellite imagery data relevant to habitat factors and the species’ presence were analyzed through classification methods. Findings revealed that potential habitats for this species have expanded by 33% over the study period. The habitat selection criteria and the GEE platform provided valuable insights into Houbara habitats, supporting efficient management and conservation strategies. Raising public awareness and involving local communities are also practical measures for protecting key habitats of this species within this region.

Keywords

Main Subjects

استفاده از تصاویر ماهواره‌ای و فناوری سنجش از دور، به علت ویژگی مقرون به‌صرفه بودن از نظر هزینه و زمان و در عین حال دارابودن دقت مناسب، در شناسایی کاربری اراضی و تغییرات آن کاربرد دارد. سنجش از دور ماهواره‌ای و داده‌های حاصل از این فناوری، ابزار در حال گسترش برای حفاظت کارآمد حیات‌وحش و زیستگاه‌ها در مقیاس‌های مختلف مکانی و زمانی است. هوبره آسیایی (Chlamydotis macqueenii) ساکن زیستگاه‌های بیابانی و نیمه‌بیابانی با تهدیداتی مانند شکار، تجارت غیرقانونی، قاچاق و تخریب زیستگاه مواجه است و در فهرست پرندگان آسیب‌پذیر بشمار می‌رود. هدف از انجام این مطالعه شناسایی و بررسی تغییرات زیستگاهی هوبره آسیایی مربوط به سال‌های 2000، 2013 و 2023 در استان خراسان جنوبی به منظور پایش حفاظت موثر این گونه باارزش است. بدین‌منظور اطلاعات تصاویر ماهواره‌ای از عوامل مهم در پراکنش گونه به همراه نقاط حضور آن در روش طبقه‌بندی در بستر گوگل‌ارث‌انجین مورد بررسی قرار گرفت. نتایج این مطالعه نشان که مساحت زیستگاه‌های بالقوه هوبره آسیایی در طول سال‌های مورد مطالعه روند افزایشی طی نموده است به طوری‌که وسعت آن‌ها 33 درصد افزایش یافته است. معیارهای انتخاب شده موثر در انتخاب زیستگاه و پلتفرم گوگل‌ارث‌انجین می‌تواند تشریح مناسبی از وضعیت زیستگاه‌های هوبره آسیایی در استان برای مدیریت و حفاظت کارآمد فراهم نماید. شناسایی زیستگاه‌های مطلوب، افزایش آگاهی عمومی و همراه نمودن مردم محلی نیز از سایر اقدامات عملی برای حفاظت از زیستگاه‌های مهم این گونه است.

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Remote Sensing and GIS Applications in Environmental Sciences
Volume 5, Issue 14
April 2025
Pages 76-62
  • Receive Date: 14 October 2024
  • Revise Date: 09 November 2024
  • Accept Date: 27 November 2024