A method for estimating the suitability function of wildlife habitat for forest planning on the basis of expertise

In the method presented in this study, a group of experts evaluate, in a pairwise manner, a set of forest areas with respect to the game species considered. On the basis of these comparisons, relative priorities of forest areas are estimated using the eigenvalue technique. Using regression analysis, a habitat suitability function is estimated in which the priority is predicted by measures already familiar in forest planning. As a case study, a habitat suitability function was estimated for black grouse ( L.). The function is applicable in forestry planning carried out using modern planning techniques.Tetrao tetrix, Lururus tetrix