Habitat Suitability Index Models

A review and synthesis of existing information were used to develop a model for evaluating wintering habitat quality for the northern pintail along the Gulf of Mexico. The model is scaled to produce an index of habitat suitability between 0 (unsuitable habitat) and 1 (optimum habitat). Habitat suitability indices are designed for use with the Habitat Evaluation Procedures previously developed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.