Conservation Studio: Dynamically Modeling and Mapping Habitat Suitability

Abstract

Habitat suitability modeling in some form is required for virtually every regulatory action and conservation planning process that involves rare and/or endangered species or habitat types. Conservation Studio is a spatial information system that automates the entire process of conservation modeling, simulation, and planning. Conservation Studio consists of four software modules: Data Acquisition Interface, Habitat Suitability Analyst, Conservation Criteria Developer, and Implementation Modeler, the latter of which has been developed as a working prototype. The Implementation Modeler models the outcome of using tradable conservation credits to conserve habitat resources in a specified geographical plan area. Future design and development activities for this spatial information system are discussed.