Biodiversity—the astonishing variety of life on Earth—is vital for maintaining healthy and resilient ecosystems. Yet, monitoring biodiversity has long been a challenge. Traditional methods, such as field surveys, while valuable, are often time-consuming, labor-intensive, and limited in coverage. This is where remote sensing steps in. By using satellites, drones, and advanced sensor technologies, scientists can now observe and monitor biodiversity on a much broader scale, making conservation efforts more efficient and data-driven.
As part of my PhD research, I use remote sensing to examine spatial and temporal changes across forest and peatland ecosystems in Finland. These habitats are critical: forests cover approximately 75% of Finland, while peatlands span nearly 30%. They are home to diverse plant and animal life, including endangered species, and play key roles in carbon storage and climate regulation.
What Is Remote Sensing?
Remote sensing is a method of collecting information about the Earth’s surface without making physical contact. It involves satellites, drones, and aircraft equipped with sensors that detect light, heat, and other signals. These sensors capture valuable environmental data that can reveal details about vegetation health, water bodies, and even the presence of certain animal species.
How Remote Sensing Supports Biodiversity Monitoring
Remote sensing has revolutionized how we study and protect the natural world. Here’s how it contributes:
1. Mapping and Monitoring Habitats
High-resolution satellite imagery helps identify and map different ecosystems—forests, wetlands, coral reefs, and grasslands. By analyzing changes over time, scientists can monitor habitat loss, deforestation, or degradation that threatens biodiversity.
2. Tracking Wildlife Populations and Biodiversity Monitoring
Remote technologies allow for monitoring wildlife without disturbing them:
- Thermal drones detect animals even in dense forests or at night.
- Satellite tracking follows migration patterns of birds, marine life, and large mammals.
- AI-powered sensors and camera traps recognize species based on physical features and behavior.
3. Detecting Environmental Changes
Subtle shifts in vegetation, temperature, or water levels can signal stress in an ecosystem. Remote sensing helps detect:
- The spread of invasive species
- Impacts of climate change, like shifting plant phenology or melting ice
- Coral bleaching events in marine ecosystems
4. Understanding Deforestation and Land-Use Change
Real-time satellite imagery tracks deforestation and land conversion. This enables quick response to illegal logging and helps assess the success of reforestation and restoration efforts.
5. Monitoring Water Quality and Marine Life
Remote sensing isn’t limited to terrestrial ecosystems. It also monitors:
- Ocean temperature and currents
- Algal blooms harmful to aquatic ecosystems
- Pollution and oil spills
6. Disaster Response and Recovery
Natural disasters can devastate ecosystems. Remote sensing supports:
- Real-time assessment of disaster impact
- Identifying priority areas for conservation or recovery
- Monitoring ecosystem resilience and recovery over time
Drones: A Game-Changer for Biodiversity Monitoring
Drones are transforming biodiversity monitoring. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, thermal sensors, and even audio recorders, drones can access hard-to-reach areas, making them ideal for:
- Surveying remote wildlife habitats
- Assessing vegetation health
- Documenting natural disaster damage
Their ability to fly at different altitudes and collect high-frequency data provides real-time insights critical for conservation.
Demonstrating the application of drones to school children at Researcher’s Night 2024, University of Oulu, Finland
Real-World Applications for Biodiversity Monitoring
Remote sensing is already delivering tangible results:
- Monitoring endangered species: In Australia, conservationists use motion-sensitive cameras and audio sensors to track native wildlife like marsupials and birds, shaping targeted conservation plans.
- Preventing wildfires: Satellites detect early signs of wildfire risk, such as gas emissions, enabling preemptive action.
- AI-powered conservation: AI tools analyze vast datasets, including audio cues of species, to map distributions and monitor populations.
- Coral reef protection: Satellite-based temperature tracking alerts scientists to bleaching risks, enabling timely intervention.
Challenges and the Future
Despite its promise, remote sensing faces some limitations:
- High costs of equipment and data processing tools
- Handling and analyzing massive datasets
- Gaps in monitoring deep oceans or dense forests with current tech
Yet, with rapid advancements in AI, machine learning, and sensor technologies, these challenges are steadily being overcome. New tools promise more precise, accessible, and affordable biodiversity monitoring.
Final Thoughts
Nature is dynamic—and so must be our response to conserving it. Remote sensing is empowering scientists and conservationists with unprecedented insight into Earth’s ecosystems. When combined with traditional field methods, it enhances our ability to make informed, timely decisions for biodiversity protection.
As technology continues to evolve, so will our capacity to understand and safeguard the planet. By embracing these innovations, we take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable future—for every species.
Every ecosystem matters. Every action counts. Let’s use technology to protect our planet.
Acknowledgments
I would like to thank the I4WORLD Programme and the European Union for their support and co-funding of this project.
Application of Remote Sensing in Biodiversity Monitoring
By Shreya Pandey
Ecology and Genetics Research Unit, University of Oulu, Finland
Email: shreya.pandey@oulu.fi