Prediction of habitat suitability and impact assessment of the dam construction for raccoon dog in Northern Tochigi, Japan

Abstract

We developed habitat evaluation models for raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) using radio-tracking data and applied the multivariate models for impact assessment of a dam construction in Northern Tochigi, Japan. Raccoon dogs are common species and have been ignored in impact assessments as they were thought to be able to move to suitable habitat near construction sites. We found that raccoon dogs may suffer from both decreased suitable habitat and losing its connectivity after construction. Such models enable to detect habitat deterioration and fragmentation areas quantitatively with visualization, and such information can be used for effective conservation planning.