GRAZEO is a 2-years project financed by the Belgian Science Agency. It is a spin-off of the EPISTIS project (Remote Sensing Tools
to Study the Epidemiology and Space/Time Dynamics of Diseases ) where several models were developed using remote sensing and
spatial modelling to stratify the risk for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) transmission between buffaloes and cattle in Kruger National
Park (KNP) and its surroundings. In GRAZEO however, the emphasis will be put on the role of the natural vegetation as a key factor
of habitat suitability for large herbivores. The abundance and quality of the forage source is known to be a key driver of feeding
patterns and distribution of livestock and wild grazers in savannah rangelands. Therefore, the main aim of GRAZEO is to explore
the potential of the new generation of very-high spatial and spectral resolution sensors, such as WorldView-2, for (i) developing
methodologies for mapping grass patches, grass biomass and quality indicator (nitrogen concentration), as well as tree species
communities as complementary forage quality indicator, at a scale compatible with savannah spatial heterogeneity and animal movements;
(ii) Investigating how these improved inputs, along with adapted modelling processes and multiple scenarios testing can contribute
to improving the buffalo-cattle contact modelling outputs.