Mapping of desert locust habitats using remote sensing techniques

Abstract The results of research on the Sudan Red Sea coast, which was part of the project “integrated biological control of grasshoppers and locusts” of the GTZ (Gesellschaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit, Germany), will be shown. For detecting desert locust biotopes, multiteinporal digital Landsat l’hematie Mapper (TM) data and ground truth information were used. The information about the reported oviposition sites came from the local plant protection directorates. The Normalised Difference Vegetation Index of the satellite image shows the areas covered with vegetation. These areas were separated and then classified based on their spectral characteristics. Rectification and ground truthing was done by using a global positioning system. The result of the classification was merged with an enhanced satellite scene. The resulting map shows the main vegetation units together with relevant geographical information. The estimated suitability value based on the field studies and local desert locust information is added to the legend to identify the potential desert locust biotopes. The actual desert locust breeding areas, which are dependent on rainfall and flooding, can be determined by using National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (NOAA AVHRR) in combination with actual meteorological data. Further maps of the desert locust recession areas in the northern Tilemsi/Adrar des Iforhas (Mali) and the Akjoujt/Atar area (Mauritania) were produced with this method.