Evaluation of a habitat suitability model for the least flycatcher in west-central Alberta

As part of its Biodiversity Assessment Project (BAP) (Duinker et al. 2000), Millar Western Forest Products in west-central Alberta developed and implemented a suite of habitat suitability index (HSI) models. Prior to this study, the HSI models were used to investigate how alternative forest management scenarios will influence habitat quality for 17 vertebrate species. The majority of these models remain to be validated in the Millar Western Forest Management Area (MWFMA).; The objective of this study is to investigate the validity and accuracy of the least flycatcher HSI model. Using sensitivity analysis and data collected in the field, least flycatcher-habitat relationships are investigated in the MWFMA. A priori sensitivity analysis is used to determine uncertainties in model variables to formulate the field study. A more extensive a posteriori sensitivity analysis is used to determine how alternative inputs to the model would affect model output for three alternative forest management scenarios. A fixed point count and line transect method was used to collect least flycatcher presence/absence data in the MWFMA. Vegetation characteristics were quantified at all sample plots and the relationship between these characteristics and the presence of least flycatchers investigated. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...