A methodology for habitat suitability mapping via the integration of multicriteria evaluation techniques and geographical information systems: A pilot study

In 1994, a little known species (the Little Pacific Pocket Mouse) was discovered aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The species was immediately listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act and entitled federal protection from training activities such as aircraft bombing, live-fire artillery, and mechanized vehicle and infantry movement. To predict probable species locations to optimize species prevalence sampling costs, Tony Ference, Mike Shelley, and Ed Pohl developed and executed a multicriteria evaluation methodology coupled with the base's existing Geographical Information Systems data base on ground characteristics to produce a habitat suitability map. The results will help Camp Pendleton develop a cost effective military training and species management strategy in negotiation with federal agencies and demonstrates a general methodology for similar endangered species challenges.