Habitat Suitability Index (HSI)

The Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) is a numerical tool used to assess how suitable a specific environment is for a particular species. It considers factors like food availability, water quality, shelter, and other habitat conditions. The HSI ranges from 0 to 1, where 0 indicates the habitat is unsuitable and 1 means it is ideal for the species. By calculating HSI values, researchers and conservationists can identify areas that support the species' needs, help optimize habitat management, and monitor changes over time to support biodiversity and ecological health.