Linking remotely sensed forage quality estimates from WorldView-2 multispectral data with cattle distribution in a savanna landscape

Remote sensing has recently been used to map forage quality for rangeland management. However, the validity of the remotely sensed forage quality can best be assessed when it connects well with the animal unit. In this study we used the new WorldView-2 multispectral imagery to estimate and map forage quality (nitrogen concentration) as a step to explain GPS based cattle distribution in a rangeland of Southeastern Zimbabwe. Nitrogen concentration was successfully estimated and mapped (Rcv2 = 0.66, relative error = 0.13%) using partial least squares regression (PLSR). The integration of GPS based cattle distribution patterns with forage quality in a GIS showed that cattle locations significantly clustered in areas of high forage quality. The results of this study suggest that new multispectral data with unique band settings such as WorldView-2 improves the estimation and mapping of forage quality in rangelands at landscape level. In addition, our results indicate that remotely sensed forage quality can be used to explain herbivore distribution, particularly cattle grazing patterns in rangelands.

► Remotely sensed forage quality links well with spatial herbivore distribution.
► WorldView-2 multispectral data can predict and map nitrogen concentration.
► PLSR improves prediction and mapping of nitrogen concentration at landscape level.
► The yellow band is sensitive to low nitrogen levels.