Woody fractional cover in Kruger National Park, South Africa: Remote sensing-based maps and ecological insights

The variability in woody vegetation structure characterizes different types of Savannas and is usually described by quantitative variables such as fractional cover, height, and biomass. Woody cover has been shown to directly affect important ecological processes of Savanna ecosystems. It influences biomass production, fire regimes, herbivory, nutrient cycling, hydrology, and soil erosion (Rietkerk et al., 1997; Scholes and Archer, 1997; Archibald et al., 2009). Savannas are characterized by varied spatial combinations and relative proportions of woody and herbaceous vegetation. This heterogeneity results in diversified habitats and resources determining the large number of species that can establish and survive in these ecosystems. The ability to monitor woody fractional cover is therefore fundamental to understand Savanna dynamics.