Interannual variability of NDVI and species richness in Kenya
Oindo, B.O.; Skidmore, A.K.
International Journal of Remote Sensing 23(2): 285-298
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0143-1161 DOI: 10.1080/01431160010014819
Accession: 003821207
Ecologists have long recognized the spatial variability of species richness. In an attempt to identify the factors responsible for this variability, ecologists have traditionally used environmental data obtained from sparse point samples (such as meteorological stations). However, remotely sensed data also provide a means of estimating relevant environmental factors and thereby improving predictions of species richness. The Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (AVHRR NDVI) has been shown to be related to net primary productivity (NPP) and actual evapotranspiration (AET) for many vegetation types. NPP and AET have frequently been used as surrogate measures for species richness.