Towards a Rigorous Methodology for Verification and Accuracy Assessment of Qualitative Wildlife Habitat Models

** ABSTRACT **

Guidelines for qualitative habitat models, such as habitat suitability index models, emphasize the importance of verification and validation exercises as part of the model development and evaluation process. However, guidelines for effective verification procedures are lacking. Several factors associated with verification, including random versus targeted sampling, sample size requirements, analysis scale, field methods, personnel qualifications, and methods of comparing model predictions to field data can dramatically affect study design and interpretation of results. In this paper I discuss key issues associated with each of these factors and provide methods and guidance to assist others in the development of effective verification projects. I focus on verification using field ratings by species experts but these guidelines can be adapted to other types of verification data, such as index or sign data.