Airborne laser-guided imaging spectroscopy to map forest trait diversity and guide conservation

Area of Science:

• Ecological sciences
• Biogeography
• Remote sensing

Background:

• Functional biogeography links biodiversity data with Earth system science.
• Conservation planning requires understanding species' roles in ecosystem functioning.
• Large-scale trait mapping is crucial for effective biodiversity conservation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To bridge field and satellite data for conservation.
• To map forest canopy functional traits in the Peruvian Andes-to-Amazon.
• To identify areas for new conservation actions based on functional diversity.

Main Methods:

• Airborne laser-guided imaging spectroscopy was employed.
• Environmental modeling was used to derive trait maps.
• Clustering of canopy traits identified forest beta functional diversity.

Main Results:

• Multivariate forest canopy functional trait maps were created for the region.
• Geospatial patterns of functional variation were linked to geology, topography, hydrology, and climate.
• A map of forest beta functional diversity was generated for land-use analysis.

Conclusions:

• Mapping functional diversity advances understanding of the biosphere.
• Up to 53% of functionally distinct forests offer opportunities for conservation.
• This approach aids in conserving biodiversity under land use and climate change pressures.