Establishing the sensitivity of ALOS PALSAR to above ground woody biomass: A case study in the pine savannas of Belize, Central America

Despite their conservation value, the denser wooded areas within tropical savannas are experiencing unsustainable management and anthropogenic pressures. Satellite radar Earth observation is a possible method for supporting forest protection and management in these areas. The aim of this study is to establish the ability of ALOS PALSAR for providing biomass estimates in savanna pine woodlands in Belize. A strong monotonic statistical dependence has been found between the ALOS PALSAR backscatter and above ground woody biomass using field data collected at 1 ha, 0.5 ha, and 0.25 ha and a weak monotonic statistical dependence has been found using field data collected at 0.1ha.