Question

3. A proposed transport project will reduce a wetland area from 12 acres to 7 acres. The availability of clean water for animals and plants will decrease from 95% to 75%. The Habitat Suitability Index is given by: HSI- 1.0125 * [1 - exp (-0.00035 X2)] where X- ecological characteristics of the wetland in percent Assume that water availability is the only characteristic. What is the expected ecological damage in terms of habitat units?

Answer 1

Wetland Area reduce from 12 Acres to 7 Acres Availability of clean water = 95% to 75% HSL = 1.8125 [1 - e^-0.00085x^2] x = ecological characteristics Habitat suitability index combined index between 0 and 1 - 0 unsuitable habitat - 1 optimal habitat 10 Factors are scored for due wetland 21 scores ranging 0.01 - 1 HSI = (S11 times S12 times S13 times S14 times S15 times S16 times S17 times S18 times S19 times S110) \r\n Ecological damage rightarrow Heavy sleded ponds less likely to support great Gesteal ecology Remove aquatic vegetation pollute water stir up sediments some other effect \r\n Terestrial habitat - Good terestrial habitat offers - cover foraging opportunities. Habitat includes meadow, rough grashland, hedges, root, woodland and gardens.