Development and validation of an expert-based habitat suitability model to support boreal caribou conservation

摘要: The long-term persistence of boreal caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) is threatened by the negative impacts human activities, including industrial development. vast geographical distribution and behavioural variability warranted development validation an appropriate conservation tool for managers in eastern Canada. We developed a habitat suitability model Quebec integrating expert knowledge into hierarchical analysis. elicited responses from 14 experts on ecology to determine best spatiotemporal scales application, relative importance variables, zone influence infrastructure, parameterization model. Based this input, we built using 8 categories 3 infrastructure variables. Experts identified mature conifer-dominated forests open lichen woodlands as most important vegetation caribou, whereas density proximity paved roads, forest mines decreased quality. mapped resulting over entire province (up northern allocation limit), validated it independent GPS telemetry datasets acquired distinct regions. Our predicted that was highest northeastern part our study area, where timber harvest activities roads were virtually absent. Conversely, southern parts generally unsuitable caribou. among first tools available wildlife land Quebec.