Spectral properties of rock-encrusting lichens and woodland caribou habitat (Umbilicaria torrefacta, Rangifer tarandus)

Reflectance spectra of rock encrusting lichens were acquired to determine the influence that this vegetation type can have on the reflectance properties of rock exposures located in high latitude and subarctic environments. The transmittance of lichens was assessed using foliose lichens (Umbilicaria torrefacta) and is estimated to be less than 3% through the 350–2500 nm spectral region investigated. Discrimination of lichen species (both crustose and foliose) is made possible using ratios of reflectance at 400/685 nm and 773/685 nm. An index using the band ratios 2132/2198 nm and 2232/2198 nm outlines the similarity of lichen spectra in the infrared and a distinguishing feature between rocks with OH− bearing minerals and lichen. Thus, spectral unmixing of rock and crustose/foliose lichens can be successfully accomplished using a single lichen endmember for this spectral range.; Woodland Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) habitat mapping in northern Alberta, Canada is incomplete and imprecise. Spectral information obtained through remote sensing observations makes possible the identification of important Woodland Caribou habitat over large areas. With the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) collars fitted on the animals, correlations between satellite observations from Landsat TM and Woodland Caribou locations were studied. It was concluded that the spectral classes derived from Landsat TM imagery can be related to Woodland Caribou occurrence and as such, could be used as a basis for habitat mapping.