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Published 2 October 2026
© 2023 Wildlife Ecology Institute
https://doi.org/10.59438/YOAK1272
© 2023 Wildlife Ecology Institute
https://doi.org/10.59438/YOAK1272
INTRODUCTION
Describing and modeling key habitat features is central to effective wildlife management, and furbearer management is no exception. Current and accurate data allow for usable models at varying scales, especially when mapping habitats beyond traditional categorical land-cover maps to habitat maps based on continuous data now readily available through remote sensing. In turn, correlative habitat models, such as species distribution models and resource-selection function models, both inform and are informed by habitat mapping. Although various statistical approaches effectively identify critical habitat components, they still rely on an understanding of species ecology. As a result, much of this work has been developed for terrestrial species that can be monitored through various means to identify preferred habitats. The challenge in modeling habitat selection by semi-aquatic furbearers provides a relevant example of how the choice of spatial scale, and an understanding of ecological niche can influence modeling results. This chapter provides an overview of how habitats can be modeled effectively and then provides an overview of challenges that exist when expanding these models into the habitats that support four key semi-aquatic species of North American furbearers.
Describing and modeling key habitat features is central to effective wildlife management, and furbearer management is no exception. Current and accurate data allow for usable models at varying scales, especially when mapping habitats beyond traditional categorical land-cover maps to habitat maps based on continuous data now readily available through remote sensing. In turn, correlative habitat models, such as species distribution models and resource-selection function models, both inform and are informed by habitat mapping. Although various statistical approaches effectively identify critical habitat components, they still rely on an understanding of species ecology. As a result, much of this work has been developed for terrestrial species that can be monitored through various means to identify preferred habitats. The challenge in modeling habitat selection by semi-aquatic furbearers provides a relevant example of how the choice of spatial scale, and an understanding of ecological niche can influence modeling results. This chapter provides an overview of how habitats can be modeled effectively and then provides an overview of challenges that exist when expanding these models into the habitats that support four key semi-aquatic species of North American furbearers.
Citation:
Hood, G. A., and M. S. Boyce. 2026. Habitat, habitat modeling, and furbearers. Pages 6.1–6.15 in T. L. Hiller, R. D. Applegate, R. D. Bluett, S. N. Frey, E. M. Gese, and J. F. Organ, editors. Wild furbearer management and conservation in North America. Wildlife Ecology Institute, Helena, Montana, USA. https://doi.org/10.59438/YOAK1272
Citation:
Hood, G. A., and M. S. Boyce. 2026. Habitat, habitat modeling, and furbearers. Pages 6.1–6.15 in T. L. Hiller, R. D. Applegate, R. D. Bluett, S. N. Frey, E. M. Gese, and J. F. Organ, editors. Wild furbearer management and conservation in North America. Wildlife Ecology Institute, Helena, Montana, USA. https://doi.org/10.59438/YOAK1272
Copyright 2026 Wildlife Ecology Institute