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Habitat Characterization

Loyola characterized the endangered Aplomado Falcon Habitat in Southwest Texas. Using satellite imagery and recently declassified image processing algorithms from the National Imagery and Mapping Agency, Loyola enabled the analysis of 130,000 sq. mi. of land to determine favorable Falcon habitat. Using University of New Mexico statistical ground truthing and compatible vegetation, rules were developed and applied to 43 classes of vegetation detected by processing the satellite imagery. After applying the rules, survey areas were reduced over 80%, a tremendous cost and timesavings by eliminating in-the-field biological teams.