Woody cover and heterogeneity in the Savannas of the Kruger National Park, South Africa

The woody vegetation of the Kruger National Park varies greatly in species composition, biomass and cover at regional scales. This study focuses on woody (tree and shrub) cover as a defining characteristic of savannas. We combine field measurements, optical and radar remote sensing to map woody cover across the whole of the Kruger Park at medium resolution (90 m). We also explore relationships between the mapped woody cover, climate, soil, topography, fire and herbivory. The spatial and temporal variability of woody cover is significant for Park managers in support of priorities relating to maintenance of structural and biotic heterogeneity. We derive a product that quantifies the spatial heterogeneity in woody cover within 1-km cells.