The use of remotely sensed data to model optimal habitat selections of pileated woodpeckers (Dryocopus pileatus) in fragmented landscapes

Keywords: species distribution modelling; LiDAR; RGBI aerial imagery; deadwood detection; Random Forest (RF); individual tree crown delineation; habitat requirements; Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Friday
Session Start / End Time: 2/25/2022 02:00 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/25/2022 03:20 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 65

Abstract

Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and RGBI (red, green, blue, and near-infrared) remote sensed imageries allow an accurate measurement of vegetation characteristics and forest structural information in a spatially-contiguous landscape. These techniques provide opportunities to assess the forest habitat structure of species to support evidence-based decisions in conservation. However, applications of remote sensing data, especially the combination of structural and spectral information, in forest management at a local scale are not yet widely adopted. Here, we examined the habitat requirements of Pileated woodpeckers (Dryocopus pileatus) (PW) in Hamilton County, Ohio using ecologically relevant variables derived from LiDAR and RGBI data. We used 186 PW presence or absence locations to model their habitat selection in general additive models (GAM) at two scales reflecting the foraging and home range size. The result confirmed PW’s preference for large mature stands, decadent trees, and structural complexity. We also showed the impacts of habitat fragmentation on PW through how PW adjust their behaviors based on the availability of resources. Our findings suggest that forest managers should use different priorities to evaluate nesting, roosting, and feeding habitats. Particularly, current forest management plans need to consider retaining enough cavity trees within high-quality PW habitats as a part of the hazard tree removal procedures. We also highlight the importance of riparian corridors as suitable habitats for PW, which facilitate their adjustments to the fragmented urban landscape. Habitat improvements for PW could be achieved by conserving riparian areas along major rivers and implementing strategies that promote riparian forests succession.