High resolution satellite remote sensing: a new frontier for biodiversity exploration in Indian Himalayan forests

Satellite imagery with fine spectral and spatial resolution and high temporal resolution provide a unique opportunity to map and monitor biodiversity. The aim of this paper is i) to review the state of the use of high resolution remote sensing for ecological studies in the Indian Himalayan region and ii) to suggest further potential avenues of research in the region using this technology. It has been recognized that the recent improvements in remote sensing have enabled researchers to categorize and spatially map species and communities, and to detect vegetation types based on ecological gradients and environmental drivers. Across the globe, the use of current high resolution imagery in vegetation studies is increasing due to their improved efficiency, as fine scale vegetation information is needed for both a theoretical understanding of the processes involved and conservation towards the maintenance of ecological functions of natural ecosystems. Remote sensing is particularly useful in the Indian Himalayan region where field-based mapping of forest vegetation and land cover using conventional techniques is cost and time expensive. Mapping fine scale patterns of tree species using high resolution remote sensing data has important implications for the understanding and monitoring of ecosystem function and biodiversity patterns in forest.