3D satellite imaging technique benefits wildlife safety at Yunnan protected areas

KUNMING: 3D satellite images are being used to monitor and conserve biodiversity in the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas, a UNESCO world heritage site by the Chinese researchers.

Xiao Wen, head of the Institute of Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Research at Dali University said that the new method is labelled as the “3D-map-based interview” survey. This tool has the efficiency to collect local knowledge on biological information over large areas that is then followed up with the field investigation and data analysis.

Records are prepared to acquire wildlife data distribution and population based on 3D satellite images displaying terrain information, interviewees point out that the location of the rare wild animals are observed with help of the technology. Researchers then make calculations and assessments on the habitats of endangered species using remote sensing, and propose defensive measures.

More than 30 large research projects have been initiated since 2016 in the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas to monitor and shield wild animals, including the Myanmar snub-nosed monkey, the Yunnan golden hair monkey, the snow leopard, and the Mishmi takin, an endangered goat antelope.

A long-term ecological monitoring network has taken outline at the world heritage site, covering 1.7 million hectares of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas feature sections of the upper reaches of three rivers that originate on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau – the Jinsha, Lancang and Nujiang rivers.

The monitoring network also helps restrict poaching in the regions as infrared cameras have been set up in key areas.