Modeling forest connectivity change detection with vertical heterogeneity of resident bird's habitat using laser scanning data

The three-dimensional or vertical structure of the forest is used for high-resolution carbon stock modeling, canopy modeling, and biomass estimation. Recently, structural data has also been used to predict biodiversity hotspots. In addition, studies are being conducted to connect and understand forest structure and biodiversity, including the relationship between forest structure and community diversity, and the distribution of vegetation in urban forests and the appearance of birds. In addition, many studies on forest connectivity analysis have been attempted, focusing on forest vegetation and bird species, but they rarely consider vertical spatial heterogeneity. In this study, reflecting the vertical/horizontal structure of the habitat, we intend to present a model framework that can analyze the ecosystem network in the three-dimensional structure. To perform connectivity-based evaluation, it is necessary to identify the types of environmental or vegetation variables by species, and to calculate resistance values that vary depending on the environmental factors of these habitats. In addition, it is necessary to detect the habitat space of the species functioning as a connection node. Most of the connectivity-based research so far has been conducted on a two-dimensional surface, and the connectivity is evaluated by integrating individual species data and structure of topography, climate factors, and habitat quality etc. In this study, to conduct a connectivity evaluation reflecting 3D data, we intend to combine the movement patterns of species based on the identification of the habitat structure that combines the data of UAV, terrestrial LiDAR, and mobile LiDAR. The purpose of this study is to detect changes in spatial patterns of species that reflect changes in time before and after human intervention by targeting resident birds in Korea. The connectivity indicators required for the movement of birds in the vertical dimension are presented, and field surveys and modeling methods are combined. The above results can be applied to environmental impact assessment by identifying the habitat patterns of changing species before and after the development project and can function as a forestry and conservation decision-making support tool if combined with future ICT-based technology monitoring.