A HABITAT SUITABILITY EVALUATION TECHNIQUE AND ITS APPLICATION TO ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ASSESSMENT

Abstract

We utilize the model that incorporates also the species-specific site characterization of habitat conditions and major ecological factors that influence the status of a valued wildlife species population and its migration and behavioral pattern within habitat area. We are developing the software prototype that is a framework for spatially explicit risk assessment of contaminated terrestrial ecosystems. The analysis employs a spatially explicit foraging model that, when executed, provides a time series of soil and food contamination that receptors are projected to encounter during their daily movements. The model currently inputs information on: (i) geopositional parameters of the contaminated area, surrounding land, and habitat types found in each; (ii) density and distribution of ecological receptors; (iii) receptor home range; (iv) maps of contamination concentrations and habitat disturbance; and (v) size of the receptor’s foraging range. The model also employs habitat quality factors (so called the habitat suitability index, HSI) that account for differential attraction to various habitat types within the site and, therefore, condition receptor’s movement and duration of presence in specific areas.