Mapping Italian high-altitude ponds.

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Environmental Science
• Remote Sensing

Background:

• Ponds are critical ecosystems supporting biodiversity, but their conservation status is globally critical.
• High-altitude ponds, particularly in Italy, are ecologically important yet critically under-recognized.
• Existing research often overlooks smaller, seasonal, or high-altitude aquatic habitats.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create the first georeferenced checklist of high-altitude ponds in Italy.
• To highlight the ecological significance and conservation needs of these unique ecosystems.
• To provide a foundational dataset for future management and conservation strategies.

Main Methods:

• Integration of spectral and spatial characteristics from Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 satellite imagery.
• Application of morphological operations within the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform.
• Identification and georeferentiation of permanent and temporary high-altitude ponds.

Main Results:

• Identification of 2156 high-altitude ponds across the Italian Alps and Apennines.
• Ponds were predominantly permanent (80%) and natural (83%), with an average altitude of 2428m in the Alps and 784m in the Apennines.
• The total area covered by identified ponds was estimated at 4,258,640 m², with a mean area of 1716 m² per pond.

Conclusions:

• The creation of a georeferenced checklist is a primary step for implementing management plans for high-altitude ponds.
• This research underscores the need for increased attention and conservation efforts for these threatened aquatic ecosystems.
• The methodology provides a scalable approach for mapping similar habitats in other mountainous regions.