NASA Technology Aids Wildlife Conservation

In a constantly changing world, the protection of our planet’s endangered species and ecosystems is a priority for ecologists. Recently, a group of researchers at the University of Idaho have worked to combine their extensive on-the-ground research of the endangered Yuma Ridgway’s rail with Landsat’s vast archive, to create a habitat suitability model that can be used by land managers. Using this model gives land managers the tools and data to make decisions of how to best carry out conservation for the Yuma Ridgway’s rail on a year to year basis. With the success of this initial model, it’s hypothesized that this tool will be able to help additional species in the area and others down the road.

The Landsat Program is a series of Earth-observing satellite missions jointly managed by NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Landsat satellites have been consistently gathering data about our planet since 1972. They continue to improve and expand this unparalleled record of Earth's changing landscapes for the benefit of all.

Music:
"Throwing Light," by Paul Werner [BMI], Published by Ingenious Music Publishing Ltd. [PRS], available from Universal Production Music
"Into the Atmosphere," by Sam Joseph Delves [PRS], published by Koka Media [SACEM] Universal Publishing Production Music France [SACEM]
"Beauty Ritual," by Aurelien Riviere [PRS], published by Koka Media [SACEM] Universal Publishing Production Music France [SACEM]

Video credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center
Matthew R. Radcliff (USRA): Lead Producer
Aaron E. Lepsch (ADNET): Technical Support
Harrison Bach (Intern): Producer
Kate Ramsayer (Telophase): Writer
Morgan Spehar (Intern): Writer
Harrison Bach (Intern): Editor
Eamon Harrity (University of Idaho): Scientist