Abstract
We developed a remote sensing method to identify forest areas of high conservation value, i.e., with high densities of large trees, in a spatially heterogeneous forest. The crown size index (CSI) was calculated by object-based image analysis using a high spatial resolution aerial photograph. The validity of this index was tested for a deciduous forest in Kuromatsunai, Hokkaido. The CSI had significant positive effects on the average diameter at breast height (DBH) and the average tree height of canopy layer trees measured at the ground truth. Forest areas of high CSI value were characterized by high dominance of Fagus crenata in the canopy layer and well-developed understory vegetation containing a higher diversity of forest-dwelling plant species, suggesting that this index is adequate for detecting forest areas of conservation priority.
