Application of digital terrain model in identifying potential conservation area (PCAs) of subtropical forest in Okinawa, Japan

Abstract

Conserving the Northern forest of Okinawa Main Island is very crucial and the selection of significant areas to be protected is a complex and challenging process. The altitudinal gradients provide ideal settings to determine priority area for conservation hence improving our understanding of species richness and distribution pattern. The study sought to identify potential conservation areas (PCAs) in the subtropical forest of Okinawa Island based on the Digital Terrain Model (DTM). Different elevation levels range from were overlaid with forestland owner boundary data, vegetation, protected parks and accessible forest road. Results showed that the available PCAs decreased with an increase of elevation gradient. Protected sites require a small area as possible to allow competing demands for development and other human activities. Considering the influence of the qualitative factors for site selection, the middle-peak elevation region in the study area was chosen as the priority area for protection and conservation sites. This finding was also compared to the preceding studies which influenced the diversity of flora, fauna, climate, and geographical factors at different altitudinal levels.