Determination of habitat for African great apes using satellite remote sensing

Previously, habitat managers would do field surveys periodically with aerial photos, site visits, and historical records. Now, with the advent of high quality, daily satellite imagery and data, the idea of “dynamic habitat and ecosystem conservation” has been formulated. This means managers and policy makers can have quick access to satellite imagery much more frequently than in the past, enabling a better assessment of habitat change allowing better management decisions. We use as on example a NASA-funded study of the habitat for African great apes. And don’t forget the contribution of citizen scientists to this undertaking.