Application of lidar to assess the habitat selection of an endangered small mammal in an estuarine wetland environment.

ABSTRACT: Light detection and ranging (lidar) has emerged as a valuable tool for examining the fine-scale characteristics of vegetation. However, lidar is rarely used to examine coastal wetland vegetation or the habitat selection of small mammals. Extensive anthropogenic modification has threatened the endemic species in the estuarine wetlands of the California coast, such as the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys raviventris; SMHM). A better understanding of SMHM habitat selection could help managers better protect this species. We assessed the ability of airborne topographic lidar imagery in measuring the vegetation structure of SMHM habitats in a coastal wetland with a narrow range of vegetation heights. We also aimed to better understand the role of vegetation structure

SUBMITTER: Hagani JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10834226 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature