This study relates phenology metrics derived from ten years of Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) satellite imagery to population indices summarized from the Rural Mail Carrier Survey (RMCS). These metrics illustrate vegetation health and include values of the onset of vegetation greenness, the end of greenness, the maximum normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) value for the growing season, and the rate at which the vegetation moves from the onset NDVI value to the maximum value. The population data is generated from a survey given to rural mail carriers provided by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. The survey is voluntary and includes animal counts and miles traveled by each carrier for a given county. This study hopes to illustrate a strong relationship between vegetation and animal population health.

Funding provided by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP).

Kevin P. Price, P.I.
Edward A. Martinko, P.I.
Roger Applegate, KDWP Contracting Officer
Jill Riffer, Graduate Research Assistant

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP)

Kevin Price