Student information
MSc thesis topic: Using LiDAR to understand nest selection of the great spotted woodpecker
The great spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopos major) is the most common woodpecker species in Western Europe. The Dutch population has been increasing due to natural forest management and the availability of maturing forests. However, little is known about the forest characteristics that influence nest selection of the Great spotted woodpecker.
Previous work in the Oostereng forest suggested that great spotted woodpeckers prefer to nest in forest stands with big trees and sufficient dead trees in the surroundings. Canopy cover also played a role, but the specific vegetation characteristics could not be determined. In this project, we will use LiDAR to map the three-dimensional vegetation structure around woodpecker nests and investigate the most influential characteristics that determine nest selection. For this, we can make use of the open AHN LiDAR data available or collect Mobile Laser Scanning (MLS) data ourselves.
Objectives and Research questions
- Investigate which three-dimensional forest characteristics can be derived from LiDAR data
- Which forest characteristics determine nest selection of the Great Spotted Woodpecker?
Expected reading list before starting the thesis research
- Piacentini, E., & Chiatante, G. (2022). Habitat selection, density and breeding of Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major in a protected natural area in northern Italy. Avocetta, 46(2).
Theme(s): Sensing & measuring, Integrated Land Monitoring