Habitat Suitability Model Search Tool

The Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) Model was developed by Alberta Sustainable Resource Development-Fish and Wildlife Division, and Resource Information Unit to identify areas of high habitat values for specific species at risk. The Habitat Suitability Index Models used by these search tools were developed for the MULTISAR and SHARP projects.  Information on the individual models included in this search tool is available in MULTISAR: The Milk River Basin Habitat Suitability Index Models for Selected Wildlife Management Species at www.multisar.ca, or The southern headwaters at risk project: A multi-species conservation strategy for the headwaters of the Oldman River. Volume 2: Species Selection and Habitat Suitability Models http://srd.alberta.ca/fishwildlife/speciesatrisk/projectreports.aspx. 

The purpose of this tool is to identify areas that may have habitat features associated with specific species at risk. If the appropriate habitat feature is present there is a higher likelihood of the species occurring in that area. However a ranking of highly suitable does not necessarily mean a species will occur in that area. Additionally species may also occur in areas ranked as least suitable for the species. 

This tool is designed to provide information on where there is a high suitability for a species to occur in an area to assist industrial developers in completing the appropriate pre-development wildlife surveys in a specific area. This tool does not provide species locations, the models are based on digital habitat variables available to Fish and Wildlife through the Native Prairie Vegetation Inventory and the Agriculture Region of Alberta Soil Inventory Database, among other spatial data layers representing the model variables. For detailed historical information on species in the area please contact your local Fish and Wildlife office for a FWMIS search.

Once you have downloaded the HSI search Tool please follow these steps to access information on the potential species at risk habitat in the area you will be working in:

  1. Enter the appropriate Township, Range and meridian number using the scroll boxes in the top right hand corner.
  2. Select either quarters or sections. Sections will give you the average HSI value for the entire section where as quarters will allow you to identify the HSI values for the individual quarters of the section.
  3. Select the appropriate quarters/section for your search.
  4. Click open log command (bottom center of page) save your search to an appropriate place on your computer.
  5. Continue selecting sections/quarters. Select the Save Log command before each new selection.
  6. Once you have completed your search click Exit, save your files.
  7. You will now be able to print or review the information provided by your search of the HSI models.
  8. There is a help file included with the installation package, which details the above procedures in greater detail.
  9. If you have any questions regarding the results of your search please contact your local Fish and Wildlife office..

The Habitat Suitability Index Model Search Tool is designed to help you determine what predevelopment surveys are necessary for your project. It does not replace a recognized wildlife consultant completing an appropriate wildlife survey of the area. 

For more information please contact Brandy Downey, Lethbridge Area Sr. Species at Risk Biologist, at (403)-381-5526 or by email at brandy.downey@gov.ab.ca

Download Habitat Suitability Index Model Tool for Prairies Area
Download Habitat Suitability Index Model Tool for the Southwest Alberta