According to Global Trees Campaign, more than 17,500 tree species are threatened with extinction. These trees are threatened we could lose the values if we don’t find the means to save them. In collaboration with TNB Research Sdn Bhd., UiTM embarks to involve in the development of detection system for endangered tree species using remote sensing technique for the proposed transmission line route selection.

According to the Lead researcher of the project, Professor Sr Dr Zulkiflee Abd Latif of Institute for Biodiversity & Sustainable Development (IBSD), the hyperspectral sensor in remote sensing has the capability to record spectral reflectance of the object and to classify and identify tree species.

“In classifying tree species for large forest areas, high spectral resolution data such as hyperspectral image has proven to be useful. This is because the hyperspectral data can provide a high-resolution image with hundreds of narrow bands.” He said.

Beside time-efficient and user-friendly, hyperspectral image also can provide high accuracy results for the classification of forest tree species.

“The use of advanced remote sensing technology such as Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) in forest inventory work will improve the segmentation and classification process. Therefore, using a combination of hyperspectral, LiDAR and ground surveys will facilitate the tree classification and identification in the tropical forest. Moreover, the AGB and carbon stock of each tree species can be estimated”- Professor Ts. Dr Mohd Nazip Suratman of Fellow of IBSD UiTM.

The project costs nearly RM500k with the aims to classify endangered tree species along the proposed transmission line route using hyperspectral and LiDAR data, to dentify endangered tree at the existing grid line using hyperspectral and LiDAR data and finally to develop application for automated detection of endangered tree species.

This project is in line with sustainable development Goals 15- Life on Land which to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

Congratulations UiTM researchers who involved and may this project contribute to the UiTM aspiration to be a Globally Renowned University (GRU2025) by 2025.