Satellite mapping to help endangered reptiles

A new Australian Centre for Sustainable Catchments (ACSC) led project at USQ that will use satellites to map the habitat of threatened reptiles has received a grant from the Hermon Slade Foundation.

Established in 1995, the Hermon Slade Foundation was set up to encourage the pursuit of excellence in scientific research, particularly in the areas of biological and environmental sciences.

Project leader and USQ Associate Professor Armando Apan said that the research to be undertaken would use the latest in radar technology.

'This project will use ALOS satellite technology, which produces satellite images using new generation radar sensors,' he said.

'The technology is unique, in that it can penetrate through clouds, which most satellite systems could not do in the past.

'It can also penetrate the canopy, so that we can get a better look at the habitat conditions of these reptiles on the ground.'

In what is believed to be a world first, Associate Professor Apan said that the project was very unique.

'It is an innovative project as we are using the latest in satellite technology and this is the first time in the world that it is being used to look at endangered reptiles,' he said.

The project, which was awarded $47,000 is also a first for USQ and will involve a number of research partners.

'USQ is the project leader, but we have involvement from the Queensland Murray Darling Committee (QMDC) and the University of Queensland (UQ),' Associate Professor Apan said.

'Research will focus on the Southern Brigalow Belt around Chinchilla and St George and we are hoping to uncover the characteristics of the habitat using satellite imagery.

'The results will help landcare groups and wildlife managers in their management of land.

'This is the first time that USQ has received funding from the Hermon Slade Foundation.'

Mapping is set to begin from July 1 2007 and will be conducted over a two year period.

Media Contact: Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 1628