Chapter 5. Using Habitat Models for Habitat Mapping and Monitoring

Abstract

This chapter provides guidance for applying existing habitat models to map and monitor wildlife habitat. Chapter 2 addresses the use of conceptual models to create a solid foundation for selecting habitat attributes to monitor and to translate these attributes into quantifiable and reportable monitoring measures. Most wildlife species, however, require a complex suite of multiple resources and environmental conditions. Therefore, monitoring single habitat attributes is often not sufficient to assess the true condition of habitat quality for a species. To quantify and map habitat as an integrated entity, more formal models of wildlife habitat are required. It is beyond the scope of this chapter to provide guidance to managers in building habitat models (e.g., Hegel et al. 2010, Manly et al. 2002, Morrison et al. 2008). Rather, this chapter is designed to help those who have decided to use existing habitat models or published habitat relationships for mapping and monitoring changes in habitat over time. We present five steps in the process of modeling and mapping habitat: (1) select an appropriate habitat model; (2) assemble relevant extant data; (3) apply the selected habitat model to estimate the amount, quality, and spatial distribution of habitat; (4) evaluate the model; and (5) monitor habitat through time.

Parent Publication

• A technical guide for monitoring wildlife habitat

Citation

Cushman, Samuel A.; Mersmann, Timothy J.; Moisen, Gretchen G.; McKelvey, Kevin S.; Vojta, Christina D. 2013. Chapter 5. Using Habitat Models for Habitat Mapping and Monitoring. In: Rowland, M.M.; Vojta, C.D.; tech. eds. 2013. A technical guide for monitoring wildlife habitat. Gen. Tech. Rep. WO-89. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 14p.