Habitat evaluation for crested ibis: A GIS-based approach

We evaluated habitat quality for crested ibis (Nipponia nippon) using a geographic information system (GIS). First, we digitized the topography map, vegetation map, river map, road map and villages/towns map by ArcInfo, and gave each map layer a suitability index based on our perceptions of the needs of crested ibis. Second, we overlayed these maps to obtain an integrated map of habitat quality. Finally, we compared the calculated habitat quality with the actual distribution of crested ibis. We found that the birds were almost always located at the site of high quality (habitat suitability index HSI]>0.6), which indicated that the factors we selected were important for crested ibis. We also found that crested ibis were never located at some sites of high quality, thus, we assume that other factors not considered in this study limit the distribution of crested ibis. Regression analysis indicated that crested ibis preferred lower elevation habitats and tolerated higher levels of human disturbance in recent years than previously reported. These results reflected a 20-year protection program for this species.