Habitat Suitability Modelling For Forest Elephant

Abstract

The primary intent of this paper is to demonstrate how Geographical Information System (GIS) and a modular modelling method can be implemented and utilized by agencies and authorities to create various management schemes and options for an overview and assessment of habitat suitability modelling for forest elephant. An overview of forest elephant habitat suitability applications with regard to GlS illustrates a broad expanse of activities. GIS capabilities include data capture through scanning and manual digitizing, data processing and manipulation, cartographic modelling (map overlay) imaging, map production and query. GIS is therefore an important tool in conservation management with several advantages and very useful in planning and taking decision in wildlife management. It was clearly evidence that scale-dependent species-environment relationship assist in predicting and understanding of spatial distribution of elephant with respect to particular space for feeding, habitation, safe place to spend their times and avoidance of human treats. It also revealed that GIS was an instrument for observing, monitoring forest elephant habitat selection and migratory away from human threat due to their activities as well as protection of endangered species. The paper therefore concluded that GIS have assisted tremendously in management of elephant. Maps derived from hssabitat suitability modelling can be used to facilitate conservation, help to explain variation in abundance and distribution of species in terms of habitat characteristics