Habitat suitability models for use with ARC/INFO: mountain quail

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This document consists of two major sections. The Habitat Use Information functions as an up-to-date review of our current understanding regarding the basic habitat requirements of the mountain quail. This section typically builds on prior publications, including the FWS "Bluebook" series. However, the Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) Model section is quite different from previously published models. All models in this California Wildlife Habitat Relationships (CWHR) Program series are designed as macros (AML computer programs) for use with ARC/INFO geographic information system (GIS) software running on a UNIX platform. As such, they represent a step up in model realism in that spatial issues can be dealt with explicitly. They are "Level II" models in contrast to the "Level I" (matrix) models initially available in the CWHR System. For example, issues such as habitat fragmentation and distance to habitat elements may be dealt with in spatially explicit "Level II" models. Unfortunately, a major constraint remains the unavailability of mapped habitat information most useful in defining a given species' habitat. For example, there are no readily available maps of snag density. Consequently, the models in this series are compromises between the need for more accurate models and the cost of mapping essential habitat characteristics. It is hoped that such constraints will diminish in time. While "Level II" models incorporate spatial issues, they build on "Level I," nonspatial models maintained in the CWHR System. As the matrix models are field tested, and occasionally modified, these changes will be expressed in the spatial models as well. In other words, the continually evolving "Level I" models are an integral component of the GIS-based, spatial models. Unlike many HSI models produced for the FWS, this series produces maps of habitat suitability with four classes of habitat quality: (1) None; (2) Low; (3) Medium; and (4) High. These maps must be considered hypotheses in need of testing rather than proven cause and effect relationships, and proper use of the CWHR System requires that field testing be done. The maps are only an initial "best guess" which professional wildlife biologists can use to optimize their field sampling. Reliance on the maps without field testing is risky even if the habitat information is accurate. The CDFG and CIWTG strongly encourage feedback from users of this model and other CWHR components concerning improvements and other suggestions that may increase the utility and effectiveness of this habitat-based approach to wildlife management planning.

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ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology: Birds

Suggested Citation: Timossi, I.C., E.L. Woodard, and R.H. Barrett. 1995. Habitat suitability models for use with ARC/INFO: Mountain quail. Calif. Dept. of Fish and Game, CWHR Program, Sacramento, CA. CWHR Tech. Rept. No. 10. 22 pp.

Note that we have an electronic copy that fits the suggested citation, as well as one with an appendix and additional materials.

Note that the authors' affiliations are the Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA, and the Sierra Nevada Ecosystem Project (location not given).