Arid and semi-arid regions comprise high levels of habitat heterogeneity that usually remain undetected in maps produced at the global, regional or local scales. Regional high variability of habitats is generally associated with increased biodiversity levels, given the availability of diversified environmental conditions to support a potentially larger spectrum of biological communities. An incomplete mapping of habitats can lead to significant challenges for biodiversity conservation and management of natural resources, particularly in arid regions where habitat and biodiversity assessments are already intrinsically challenging.

The use of high-resolution satellite images and novel remote sensing techniques, can provide crucial information to considerably improve the regional characterization of habitats in arid regions. Furthermore, these data and techniques have the potential to enhance the detailed mapping of fine-scale habitats (e.g., mangrove woodlands, dune systems, harrat ephemeral pools). Accordingly, the main objective of this project is to provide a high-resolution map of the habitats, following standardized classification guidelines and using fine-detail remote sensing data to improve the categorical and spatial characterization of local habitats.

This project is an extension of Spatial Habitats Assessment for Biodiversity Conservation project (2024-2025), funded by Red Sea Global, Saudi Arabia.

PI: João Campos

Period: 2025-2026

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