Using expert opinion to evaluate a habitat effectiveness model for elk in western Oregon and Washington.

Richard S. Holthausen; Michael Wisdom; John Pierce; Daniel K. Edwards; Mary M. Rowland

doi:10.2737/PNW-RP-479

Treesearch

Using expert opinion to evaluate a habitat effectiveness model for elk in western Oregon and Washington.

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Richard S. Holthausen, Michael Wisdom, John Pierce, Daniel K. Edwards, Mary M. Rowland

Year:

1994

Type:

Research Paper

Station:

Pacific Northwest Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2737/PNW-RP-479

Source:

Res. Pap. PNW-RP-479. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 16 p

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Abstract

We used expert opinion to evaluate the predictive reliability of a habitat effectiveness model for elk in western Oregon and Washington. Twenty-five experts in elk ecology were asked to rate habitat quality for 16 example landscapes. Rankings and ratings of 21 experts were significantly correlated with model output. Expert opinion and model predictions differed for 4 of the 16 landscapes. Differences were most pronounced for habitats dominated by large expanses of either forage or cover.

Keywords

Elk, elk habitat, habitat effectiveness, habitat models, elk management, model validation, Roosevelt elk, validation research, expert opinion, western Oregon, western Washington

Citation

Holthausen, Richard S.; Wisdom, Michael J.; Pierce, John; Edwards, Daniel K.; Rowland, Mary M. 1994. Using expert opinion to evaluate a habitat effectiveness model for elk in western Oregon and Washington. Res. Pap. PNW-RP-479. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 16 p