Endangered Species And Technology At Rescue

A recent UN report reveals the unprecedented decline in global biodiversity. About one million of the planet's eight million species are threatened with extinction by humans. 

IPBES Report Said:

Main Drivers of Species Loss:

1. Shrinking habitat
2. Exploitation of natural resources
3. Climate change and pollution

A comparison:
 

Human Awareness and Technology in Action

This is the right time for humans to be more aware and states to be more responsible. These species cannot speak for themselves so we must speak and act to save them. Along with a sense of responsibility we have a best quality information too.

• Information Matters

Information is critical to solve any problem. Information must be accurate and based on a technology that is widely used and universally accepted. Geospatial data is best to collect such kind of data. It not only provide information but various other inputs used at various levels of research, analysis and project execution.

• Geographic Information System (GIS) and Biodiversity

GIS is an outstanding tool for analysis, measurement and planning related to biodiversity. GIS technology comes at the top of the technologies that favour biodiversity conservation applications. Using GIS, existing information can be managed and analyzed, and the additional information can be identified. GIS technology, besides its contribution in scientific studies, has been accepted as the most effective tool for decision-makers. 

• Role of Satellite Data

Remote sensing is being used from monitoring sea ice to detecting deforestation to tracking wildlife. Researchers use satellite imagery to assess the conservation status of endangered reptiles and amphibians. The researchers used their results to point out which species are most threatened and to define priorities for future protected areas. A typical problem in species conservation efforts, particularly in tropical regions, is the lack of information on the extent of suitable habitat available for threatened species. The analysis of satellite images allows us to precisely estimate the remaining extent of rainforest and other natural habitats.

• Geospatial to Save Coral Reefs

Remote sensing which include satellite data, airborne surveys, unmanned aerial systems, boat based system and under water vehicles is used to protect the coral reefs. Remote sensing enables the simultaneous study of extensive reef areas for the assessment of spatial patterns and can provide a high frequency of observation for the assessment of temporal patterns.
 

                                                                             (Bleaching at Great Barrier Reef)

• Habitat Mapping

To avoid extinction of endangered species, it is important to understand and manage their habitats. One can get area-covering information using remote sensing and GIS. These variable are important for habitat mapping. Land use change is a major factor that modifies habitat and can determine the distribution of species within an ecosystem. Land Use Land Cover (LULC) maps are also useful in this context.
 

                                                        (Habitat map of Nairobi National Park)

 

• Summary

About one million of the planet's eight million species are threatened with extinction by humans. Main drivers of species loss are shrinking habitat, exploitation of natural resources, climate change and pollution. Remote sensing and GIS is used at various levels for the analysis of species and their habitat. Geospatial provide spatial and temporal patterns for study. Bleaching of coral reefs and habitat mapping are also studied under this technology.