Test and Modification of a Northern Bobwhite Habitat Suitability Index Model

Abstract

Abstract : A draft Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) model for the northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) was tested on nine study areas at the Ames Plantation, Grand Junction, Tennessee. The standard of comparison for the test was number of birds per hectare determined from walk-census data obtained in December 1983. Density ranged from 0 to 3.28 birds/ha, and initial HSO scores ranged from 0.19 to 10. Density was significantly correlated with HSI scores, but model scores were higher than density on seven of the nine study areas. Factors in the model related to food were responsible for the elevated scores. Assuming census data accurately reflected habitat quality, the model was modified to make the scores more closely approximate density estimates. The resulting model scores correlated with density at Pearson r = 0.748 (n = 9, P <0.02). Performance of the model is adequate for planning and management purposes in west Tennessee. Application in other locations and for more rigorous purposes would require additional testing and adjustment of the model.... Colinus virginianus, Northern bobwhite, Habitat model, Tennessee, HSI