Multi-scale predictive habitat suitability modeling based on hierarchically delineated patches: an example for yellow-billed cuckoos nesting in riparian forests,California, USA |
| |
Authors: | Evan H Girvetz Steven E Greco |
| |
Institution: | (1) Department of Environmental Design, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA;(2) School of Forest Resources, University of Washington, Box 352100, Seattle, WA 98195, USA |
| |
Abstract: | The discipline of landscape ecology recognizes the importance of measuring habitat suitability variables at spatial scales
relevant to specific organisms. This paper uses a novel multi-scale hierarchical patch delineation method, PatchMorph, to
measure landscape patch characteristics at two distinct spatial scales and statistically relate them to the presence of state-listed
endangered yellow-billed cuckoos (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis) nesting in forest patches along the Sacramento River, California, USA. The landscape patch characteristics calculated were:
patch thickness, area of cottonwood forest, area of riparian scrub, area of other mixed riparian forest, and total patch area.
A third, regional spatial variable, delineating the north and south portions of study area was also analyzed for the effect
of regional processes. Using field surveys, the landscape characteristics were related to patch occupancy by yellow-billed
cuckoos. The area of cottonwood forest measured at the finest spatial scale of patches was found to be the most important
factor determining yellow-billed cuckoo presence in the forest patches, while no patch characteristics at the larger scale
of habitat patches were important. The regional spatial variable was important in two of the three analysis techniques. Model
validation using an independent data set of surveys (conducted 1987–1990) found 76–82% model accuracy for all the statistical
techniques used. Our results show that the spatial scale at which habitat characteristics are measured influences the suitability
of forest patches. This multi-scale patch and model selection approach to habitat suitability analysis can readily be generalized
for use with other organisms and systems. |
| |
Keywords: | |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|