biodiversity

Behind the Paper: Satellite remote sensing and landscape metrics to characterize IBAs and aid the conservation of migratory birds

The conservation of species within Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) is critical, particularly in regions like Tunisia where wetlands serve as vital habitats for a wide array of waterbird species, including several that are globally threatened. In our recently published study on the conservation of wintering waterbirds within IBAs in Tunisia, we leveraged cutting-edge satellite remote sensing techniques to unravel the intricate dynamics between landscape structure and waterbird communities. This research is particularly novel as it integrates remote sensing data to assess the influence of wetland characteristics and surrounding landscape composition on bird habitats.

How we “observe” biodiversity from space

Biodiversity is a complex term but it essentially encompasses life in all its variety, ranging from individual genes to entire ecosystems. The legendary biologist Edward O. Wilson defines biodiversity as “the totality of all inherited variation in the life forms of Earth”. The loss of biodiversity due to human activities and its negative effect on ecosystems are well documented.