High resolution LiDAR and environmental variables enable fine scale predictions of hollow-bearing tree abundance across a complex temperate forest landscape

Abstract

Hollow-bearing trees (HBTs) provide a critical habitat resource for hollow-dependent animals, many of which are threatened due to a range of natural and human disturbances. Developing strategic conservation plans for HBT-dependant fauna requires an understanding of the spatial distribution of HBTs across multiple scales. Historically, landscape-scale estimates of HBT abundance have been based on extrapolations from much smaller areas where they have been directly observed. Remote-sensing technologies that provide high-resolution data at large spatial scales have the potential to improve the quality and coverage of HBT estimates across complex forested landscapes. In this study we used high-r..