Eliciting and integrating expert knowledge for wildlife habitat modelling

摘要: Expert knowledge regarding the distribution of sambar deer (Cervis unicolor) in Lake Eildon National Park (LENP), Victoria was used to build a wildlife habitat model assist with park management. The paper presents two methods for eliciting expert knowledge. These were quantitative geographical information system (GIS)-based approach using customised graphical user interface, and qualitative that uses semi-structured interviews. GIS is valuable as it objective, repeatable provides spatial context elicitation. Experts asked provide estimates sightings predicted densities assistance contextual environmental data including terrain, roads, hydrology rainfall surfaces. elicitation process did not identify any niches Park, experts disagreed about location likely habitat. On other hand, assessment showed very strong agreement combination this published literature map. results analysis indicate occur throughout entire Park. It envisaged can be baseline population modelling natural resource management Elicitation complicated by number factors computer proficiency study site familiarity. relatively large cohort inherent inconsistencies encountered managers should interpret carefully from models use only small experts.