Analysis of brown hare (Lepus europaeus) habitat based on SPOT imagery and GIS in Epirus region, western Greece

The brown hare (Lepus europaeus) is a widely distributed species in Europe, especially in agroecosystems. In Greece, its distribution covers mainly meadows and forests and shrublands with openings. Hare is absent or at extremely low densities in farmlands. This situation is typical for Epirus region, Western Greece, where a 3-year research project (1998-2000) concerning hare ecology and management was carried out. The basic tools for spatial analysis include technologies, as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and spatial statistics. In this work the habitat diversity is connected to the hare distribution in the region of Epirus based upon the methodological and technological developments of spatial analysis. Initially, a mosaic of SPOT multispectral images is generated covering the total hare distribution in Epirus. The classification of the resulted image identifies and describes relatively homogeneous basic units of the landscape. The hare habitat and density are input to GIS environment in thematic layers as polygons. Furthermore, the classified areas and hare distribution are overlaid and analyzed. The preliminary results of this research project showed low hare densities in a significant part of Epirus area, especially in farmlands and low elevation areas. However, another part of hare range supports medium hare densities. The characteristics of areas with medium hare densities is extracted in order to be used as the basis for habitat improvement actions in the rest areas. Management guidelines for hare habitat were prepared to supply the competent authorities of Greek Ministry of Agriculture.