Habitat Suitability Index Models: Wildlife species richness in shelterbelts

A review and synthesis of existing information were used to develop a Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) model for evaluating potential species richness in shelterbelts. The model consolidates habitat use information into a framework appropriate for field application, and is scaled to produce an index between 0.0 (unsuitable habitat) to 1.0 (optimum habitat). HSI models are designed to be used with Habitat Evaluation Procedures previously developed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.