Qualitative distinction of congeneric and introgressive mangrove species in mixed patchy forest assemblages using high spatial resolution remotely sensed imagery (IKONOS)

This paper is a preliminary report of the ability of IKONOS multispectral satellite imagery with a very high spatial resolution of 1 metre to distinguish two mangrove species in Sri Lanka belonging to the same genus (Rhizophora apiculata and R. mucronata). Not only is this an advancement for the monitoring of forests, it is even more important considering their patchy nature in Sri Lankan mangroves (in contrast to classically zoned forests). Apart from congeneric distinction, intro‐gressive species (Acrostichum aureum) can also be detected from IKONOS imagery, which is important in the early warning for cryptic ecological changes that may affect mangrove species composition (both floral and faunal) and functioning. The results tabulate the usage of various image composites, transformations and classifications, and indicate the danger of too much detail in remote sensing, and the need to apply an optimum resolution. We also highlight that the highest resolutions (as in pansharpened multispectral composites) remain invaluable for visual ecological investigations, which are not at all outdated by new digital satellite images of (sub)metre spatial resolution and their possibility for computer‐aided analysis.