Creating a Habitat Suitability Index Model for Argali Sheep (Ovis ammon), and Siberian Ibex (Capra sibirica) in Ikh Nartin Reserve, Mongolia

Date of Award

5-27-2010

Document Type

Undergraduate Capstone Project

Degree Name

Master of Applied Science

Organizational Unit

University College, Environmental Policy and Management

Disciplines

Environmental Policy & Mgmt

First Advisor

Kathy Flanagan

Keywords

Argali sheep, Capra siberica, GIS model, Habitat, HSIM, Ovis ammon, Siberian ibex, Habitat Suitability Index Model

Abstract

Mongolia is a country with a park system of protected areas, preserving native flora and fauna. In order to inform decision makers about the status of endangered species and park land health, two species of concern, the Argali sheep (Ovis ammon) and Siberian ibex (Capra siberica) in the Ikh Nart Reserve in Mongolia were studied. A Habitat Suitability Index Model was developed to study the Argali and ibex habitat preference and discern if the reserve and core zone offer optimal habitat. A total of 57 animals were examined, creating 95% and 50% home range kernels, and minimum convex polygons. The percent use of six vegetation classes were rated from 0 (most preferred) to 6 (least preferred). The 3 most preferred vegetation classes for Argali and ibex are dense rock, low-density shrub, and short grass forb. The core zone was designed appropriately offering the same proportion of vegetation classes as Argali and ibex prefer.

Publication Statement

Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.

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