The rusa deer (Timorensis rusa), an invasive species introduced in New Caledonia (a biodiversity hotspot) in 1870, is currently a significant concern from both an agricultural and environmental point of view, due to its dramatic impact on Caledonian flora and fauna (including a large number of endemic species). Texture analysis as a cursor for the impact of rusa deer on New Caledonian habitats was proposed and tested as part of the annual monitoring of 10 populations. This was a very new application of this approach, in response to the need to develop monitoring tools capable of assisting decision-making for the management of these populations, and which are as well adapted as possible to the Caledonian context and issues.

Émilie Berlioz’s work in progress