Detecting habitat changes using MODIS EVI images: a case study of Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia in Croatia / Ugotavljanje sprememb v habitatih z uporabo posnetkov MODIS EVI: vzorčna študija žličarke Platalea leucorodia na Hrvaškem

The breeding population of Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia in Croatia, estimated at 154-275 breeding pairs, is classified as Endangered. The main reason for the unfavourable status is loss of breeding/feeding habitats. The purpose of the study was to detect changes in the habitat types previously assessed as important for Spoonbill’s feeding. The study area was chosen for two reasons: (1) the alluvial wetlands of the central part of the Sava River hold the biggest colony of Spoonbills in Croatia, and (2) availability of data on feeding ecology of Spoonbills along alluvial wetlands of the Sava River. We used the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) as the main indicator for the changes in habitat structure along critical habitats for Spoonbills. The analysis identified areas with significant changes in EVI for habitat types important for feeding of the Spoonbills during the 2000-2008 period. Pastures, especially those with high wetness potential, changed in significant percentage despite conservation efforts in this habitat type. Changes in EVI were detected on ca. 9% of the pastures. For that reason we urge for better monitoring of the Spoonbill’s feeding habitats “in situ” and more specified characterisation of the reasons for the detected changes.