A Land Cover Classification System (LCCS) based wetland biodiversity characterization method for West African savannas using 250-Meter MODIS observations

Abstract

Wetland spaces were characterized using a unique index between well corrected, cumulative 250-meter MODIS NDVI and Near-IR time-series observations and SRTM topographic variables on streamlines and pits. The primary aim was to align the mapped wetland spaces to the standardized FAO LCCS legend nomenclature, and to simultaneously validate the wetland spaces using biodiversity field observations on aquatic and semi-aquatic species abundances. We investigated two exemplary RAMSAR wetland sites in Burkina Faso, West Arica. We found the highest species abundances of 8 to 16 (median 12) per sampling frame (144m2) to be in wet season regularly flooded that is dry season highly chlorophyll (NDVI) active spaces, as mapped from MODIS time-series reflectance. Conversely the lowest species abundances per sample frame of 4 to 5 (median 4,5) were found in permanently inundated spaces within topographic stream and/or pit areas.