Mapping the distribution of species
 The
landcover map of Maputaland will provide important information on the
biodiversity of the region and the distribution of many species will be
similar to that of their associated vegetation types. However, some important
species do not show these patterns and their distributions need to be
mapped separately to ensure that this information is included in any conservation
plans. A number of species will be chosen based on data availability and
whether they are endemic to the region, listed as threatened or have particular
economic value. Their distributions will be modelled using point location
data, as well as ecological and climatic data and will be modified through
expert review.
Modelling risk of agricultural transformation
 Risk
of agricultural transformation will be modelled by using Landsat TM satellite
imagery from 1986 and 2002. Areas that have been cleared for agriculture
between these two dates will be identified and logistic regression modelling
techniques will be used to identify the factors that influence these spatial
patterns. A previous analysis for the South African section of Maputaland
found that soil type, elevation and slope were important factors and the
logistic regression model was used to produce a risk of agricultural transformation
map based on this model. This map shows protected areas in green and areas
with a high risk of transformation in red.
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