Spatial modelling of the barn owl Tyto alba habitat using landscape characteristics derived from SPOT data

Landscape parameters extracted from classified SPOT satellite imagery are used as independent variables for predicting potential habitat areas of the barn owl Tyto alba in a landscape north-east of Brussels, Belgium Field data on the nest sites, recorded during 9 yr, are used as the dependent variable A canonical correlation analysis of the landscape characteristics of 'successful breeding and non-breeding sites' selects a set of most significant parameters contributing to the distinction between suitable and unsuitable breeding habitat parameters measuring the spatial configuration and fragmentation of landscape elements, such as deciduous woods and grasslands, in combination with some visual characteristics of the open spaces in the landscape The selected set of parameters formed the basis for the calculation of a habitat model, whereby potential breeding sites could be located throughout the complete study area, at specific levels of confidence The results showed the relevance of this method for landscape ecological research and nature conservation planning