Habitat suitability modelling and predictive maps for bats and birds in protected landscapes

Habitat Suitability Modelling (HSM) is a statistical technique that describes the relationship between a species and its environment, providing important information about its habitat requirements. When used alongside Geographic Information Systems (GIS), maps can be produced to predict the suitability of habitat for a species within a study area. Multi-species maps can also be produced to identify areas of overlapping suitable habitat within a landscape and highlight areas of conservation priority. These maps are easy to interpret and provide a visual tool that can be used for decision-making, strategic planning and targeted conservation efforts.

We have been involved in numerous projects producing predictive HSMs and maps for different bat and wading bird species, as well as turtle doves, within National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in the UK (see some recent examples below). 

These projects involved designing surveys to collect appropriate data for HSMs, building and refining HSMs from survey data or anecdotal records, and producing predictive maps and recommendations for habitat management and further work.

Berthinussen, A. (2025) Habitat Suitability Modelling for breeding turtle dove Streptopelia turtur in the North York Moors National Park and Howardian Hills AONB. Report by Conservation First for the North and East Yorkshire Ecological Data Centre (NEYDEC).

Berthinussen, A., Bellamy, C. & Altringham, J. (2021) Habitat Suitability Modelling for breeding curlew (Numenius arquata) within the Northern Upland Chain Local Nature Partnership area. Report by Conservation First for the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.

Berthinussen, A., Bellamy, C. & Altringham, J. (2021) Habitat Suitability Modelling for breeding lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) within the Northern Upland Chain Local Nature Partnership area. Report by Conservation First for the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.

Berthinussen, A. (2019) Bat foraging habitat suitability maps for the Yorkshire Dales National Park ‘extension area’. Report prepared by Conservation First for the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.

Berthinussen, A. (2018) Habitat suitability modelling for foraging European Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) that breed on the South Pennine Moors Special Protection Area. Report by Conservation First for Natural England.

Berthinussen, A. (2016) Bat Habitat Suitability Modelling in West Yorkshire. Report for the West Yorkshire Bat Group.