Habitat Selection Using GIS Data: A Case Study

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) allow practical new approaches for the study of habitat/resource selection. In this article, we illustrate several statistical techniques that can be used in resource selection studies involving GIS with data from a study of winter habitat selection by moose (Alces alces) on the Innoko National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. We identify statistical issues to consider when analyzing similar data. The habitat data used is a land cover map derived from Landsat TM (Thematic Mapper). Two scales of selection are considered. Maps are developed that illustrate the relative probability a resource unit is selected by moose. Bootstrapping procedures are used to estimate the final resource selection model coefficients and associated variances by using the moose locations as the basic experimental unit.