Satellite normalized difference vegetation index data used in managing Australian plague locusts

Edward D. Deveson

doi:10.1117/1.JRS.7.075096

10 July 2013 Satellite normalized difference vegetation index data used in managing Australian plague locusts

Edward D. Deveson

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Journal of Applied Remote Sensing, Vol. 7, Issue 1, 075096 (July 2013). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JRS.7.075096

Abstract

The Australian Plague Locust Commission (APLC) has a mandated role in monitoring, forecasting, and managing populations of key locust species across four Australian states. Satellite normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) imagery is used to monitor vegetation condition in locust habitat and is integrated with mapping software to support forecasting and operations within the strategic framework of APLC activities. The usefulness of NDVI data for monitoring locust habitats is tested using historical control and survey records for the Australian plague locust, Chortoicetes terminifera (Walker). In arid habitat areas, control of high-density nymphal populations was consistently associated with high and increased relative NDVI during summer and autumn, providing important information for locating possible infestations. Regression models of NDVI data and regional biogeographic factors were fitted to summer survey records of C. terminifera presence and abundance. Models identified increased vegetation greenness, measured by a one-month positive change in NDVI, as having a significant positive relationship with nymph distributions, while NDVI was significant in adult distributions. Seasonal rainfall regions and a binary habitat stratification were significant explanatory factors in all models.

© The Authors. Published by SPIE under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. Distribution or reproduction of this work in whole or in part requires full attribution of the original publication, including its DOI.

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Edward D. Deveson "Satellite normalized difference vegetation index data used in managing Australian plague locusts," Journal of Applied Remote Sensing 7(1), 075096 (10 July 2013). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JRS.7.075096

Published: 10 July 2013

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