Modeling forest bird species' likelihood of occurrence in Utah with Forest Inventory and Analysis and Landfire map products and ecologically based pseudo-absence points

Abstract

Estimating species likelihood of occurrence across extensive landscapes is a powerful management tool. Unfortunately, available occurrence data for landscape-scale modeling is often lacking and usually only in the form of observed presences. Ecologically based pseudo-absence points were generated from within habitat envelopes to accompany presence-only data in habitat classification models (HCM) for the northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis atricapillus). We built models at two resolutions, using predictor variables derived from 250-m Forest Inventory and Analysis map products, 30-m U.S. Department of Agriculture Landfire map products, and digital elevation models. Cross-validation provided an assessment of models' predictive capabilities. Use of ecologically based pseudo-absence points to accompany extant presence points in HCM can be a powerful asset for species conservation.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the seventh annual forest inventory and analysis symposium

Citation

Zarnetske, Phoebe L.; Edwards, Thomas C., Jr.; Moisen, Gretchen G. 2007. Modeling forest bird species'' likelihood of occurrence in Utah with Forest Inventory and Analysis and Landfire map products and ecologically based pseudo-absence points. In: McRoberts, Ronald E.; Reams, Gregory A.; Van Deusen, Paul C.; McWilliams, William H., eds. Proceedings of the seventh annual forest inventory and analysis symposium; October 3-6, 2005; Portland, ME. Gen. Tech. Rep. WO-77. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: 291-305.