Habitat suitability modelling for red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) in South-central Slovenia with classification trees

We study and assess the potential habitats of a population of red deer in S outh-central Slovenia. Using existing data on the deer population spatial d istribution and size, as well as data on the landscape and ecological prope rties (GIS) of the area inhabited by this population, we develop a habitat suitability model by automated data analysis using machine learning of clas sification trees. We assume that the recorded observations of deer approxim ate the actual spatial distribution of the deer population reasonably well. The habitat suitability models for individual animals have the form of cla ssification trees. The induced trees are interpreted by domain experts and a generic model is proposed. The generic habitat suitability models can hel p determine potential unoccupied habitats for the red deer population and d evelop guidelines for managing the development of the red deer population a nd its influence on the environment. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rig hts reserved.