Vegetation cover degradation assessment in Madagascar savanna based on trend analysis of MODIS NDVI time series

Like other African countries, Madagascar is concerned by vegetation cover degradation especially in savanna ecosystems. In this article, we describe an approach to quantify and localise savanna vegetation cover degradation. To this end, we analyse using STL decomposition method the trends measured between 2000 and 2007 of two phenological indicators which are derived from NDVI MODIS time series and characterizing vegetation activity during the growing season. Three types of trend were observed – null, positive or negative – over the study period with which we can associate a state of vegetation cover degradation. Future work will provide validation of this result. Next a comparison between the spatial variations of vegetation cover degradation and fire pressure for the same period should improve knowledge on the effect of fire on savanna vegetation activity. This information will be useful for local managers in order to implement savanna management strategies.