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Multi-scale predictive habitat suitability modeling based on hierarchically delineated patches: an example for yellow-billed cuckoos nesting in riparian forests, California, USA

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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.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Marcel Holyoak, Jim Quinn, and Chrissy Howell for useful comments to the manuscript. This work was partially funded by the California Department of Water Resources under Interagency Agreements #4600000736 and #4600001950, and EHG was partially funded by a block grant from the University of California, Davis, Graduate Group in Ecology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Design, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA

    Evan H. Girvetz & Steven E. Greco

  2. School of Forest Resources, University of Washington, Box 352100, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA

    Evan H. Girvetz

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  1. Evan H. Girvetz
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  2. Steven E. Greco
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Correspondence to Evan H. Girvetz.

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Girvetz, E.H., Greco, S.E. Multi-scale predictive habitat suitability modeling based on hierarchically delineated patches: an example for yellow-billed cuckoos nesting in riparian forests, California, USA. Landscape Ecol 24, 1315–1329 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10980-009-9384-2

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