A MAP OF SPATIAL PREFERENCES OF WILDLIFE BIRDS OF THE UNARE COASTAL SYSTEM OF EASTERN VENEZUELA

In this paper, we explore the use of a map of spatial preference for w ildlife as a tool for environmental assessment to predict animal distr ibution, instead of using a map of vegetation cover types. The underly ing idea of the map of spatial preference is for a planner to be able to understand the wildlife perception of the environment and to predic t wildlife distribution. It is suggested that other types of surface c over beside vegetation are important to support wildlife conservation. Ideas for developing a map of spatial preference are presented and ar e applied to a case study of a coastal area. The results permit the de finition of areas for preservation, as well as those with potential fo r development. Proposals are made for environmental assessment in coas tal areas, in general, and particularly, in Venezuela. (C) 1995 Academ ic Press Limited.