Mapping the nesting habitats of saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) in Melacca Swamp and the Adelaide River wetlands, Northern Territory: an approach using remote sensing and GIS

K R Harvey; Greg J E Hill

doi:10.1071/WR00008

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Mapping the nesting habitats of saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) in Melacca Swamp and the Adelaide River wetlands, Northern Territory: an approach using remote sensing and GIS

Journal article

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Mapping the nesting habitats of saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) in Melacca Swamp and the Adelaide River wetlands, Northern Territory: an approach using remote sensing and GIS

K R Harvey and Greg J E Hill

Wildlife Research, Vol.30(4), pp.365-375

2003

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1071/WR00008

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Abstract

Environmental Sciences

Biological Sciences

saltwater crocodile

Crocodylus porosus

remote sensing

GIS

The utility of integrating remotely sensed data and other spatial information in a geographical information system (GIS) to model habitat suitability for nesting by saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) was investigated in this study. The study areas, Melacca Swamp and the Adelaide River wetlands, are located 50 km east of Darwin, Northern Territory, and encompass areas of suitable nesting habitat for C. porosus. Melacca Swamp is a highly productive nesting area and is managed as a conservation reserve to protect its nesting habitat. Landsat TM, SPOT satellite imagery and large-scale colour aerial photography were evaluated for their utility in mapping habitats preferred for nesting by C. porosus within Melacca Swamp. Satellite imagery was capable of identifying generalised habitat classes used for nesting (e.g. open swamp with emergent trees). However, it was only with aerial photography that habitats could be discerned (e.g. sedges with scattered Melaleuca trees). Spatial information derived from satellite imagery and other sources was integrated in a GIS to model potentially suitable nesting habitat along the Adelaide River. This methodology effectively identified known preferred nesting areas of C. porosus on the basis of the analysis of environmental parameters (i.e. distance to water, vegetation type) that have an influence on selection of nesting habitat. The findings of this research demonstrate the utility of remote sensing and GIS for mapping nesting habitat of C. porosus at a range of scales and provide guidelines for application of the approaches used at the regional or State level.

Details

Title: Mapping the nesting habitats of saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) in Melacca Swamp and the Adelaide River wetlands, Northern Territory: an approach using remote sensing and GIS
Authors: K R Harvey (Author) - Northern Territory University
Greg J E Hill (Author) - Northern Territory University
Publication details: Wildlife Research, Vol.30(4), pp.365-375
Publisher: C S I R O Publishing
Date published: 2003
DOI: 10.1071/WR00008
ISSN: 1035-3712
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Office of the Vice-Chancellor and President
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449027802621
Output Type: Journal article

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