Mapping plant functional types through phenological insights: a novel approach

Abstract

This study integrates phenological data with Plant Functional Types (PFTs) to map biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics. It introduces Phenological Functional Types (PhFTs) by combining remote sensing with ground-based observations, enhancing vegetation modeling’s temporal resolution. Analysing 130 tree species in Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary reveals unique PhFTs with distinct phenological signatures linked to ecological functions. Using advanced remote sensing, especially the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), enables detailed temporal and spatial analyses across large geographic scales. Cluster analysis and Fuzzy C-Means (FCM) clustering categorize phenological stages, highlighting phenological diversity’s role in ecosystem services and conservation. The study identifies significant phenological shifts likely due to climate change, impacting ecosystem structure and function. It underscores the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in addressing ecological issues, contributing insights to global change biology and landscape ecology for biodiversity conservation and sustainable ecosystem management.

Keywords

• Phenological functional types
• Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI)
• remote sensing
• Plant Functional Types
• biodiversity conservation
• Spatial analysis