Optimization of forest wildlife objectives

Abstract

This chapter presents an overview of methods for optimizing wildlife-related objectives. These objectives hinge on landscape pattern, so we refer to these methods as “spatial optimization.” It is currently possible to directly capture deterministic characterizations of the most basic spatial relationships: proximity relationships (including those that lead to edge effects), habitat connectivity/ fragmentation relationships, population growth and dispersal, and patch size/ habitat amount thresholds. More complex spatial relationships and stochastic relationships are currently best captured through heuristic manipulation of simulation models. General treatment of stochastic variables in spatial optimization is in its infancy.