Brush-Tailed Rock-Wallaby Habitat Suitability and Connectivity Modelling
Client - Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland
Sector - Conservation / NGO
Year - 2022
Role - Project Manager and Technical Lead — BioGeo
Services - Habitat suitability sub-model development, weighted overlay modelling, resistance surface conversion, least-cost corridor analysis, fragmentation analysis, conservation recommendations
Project Overview
BioGeo was commissioned to develop a habitat suitability and connectivity model for a threatened mammal species to support active conservation planning — identifying priority habitat, movement corridors, and barriers to connectivity across the species' range to inform both on-ground management and advocacy efforts.
What We Did
Developed habitat suitability sub-models incorporating vegetation type and condition, terrain roughness and ruggedness, aspect and slope, proximity to water sources, and species occurrence records
Combined sub-models using a weighted overlay approach calibrated to the habitat requirements and movement ecology of the species, generating a continuous suitability surface across the study area
Converted the suitability surface to an ecological resistance layer representing the relative difficulty of movement through each part of the landscape
Applied least-cost corridor modelling to identify the most efficient movement pathways between core habitat patches, generating corridor probability surfaces
Identified core habitat patches, stepping-stone areas, primary corridors, barriers to movement, and pinch points where connectivity is constrained
Translated modelling outputs into practical conservation recommendations including priority protection areas, restoration opportunities, and barrier mitigation options
Outcome
A spatially explicit habitat suitability and connectivity model providing an evidence base for conservation planning, habitat protection advocacy, and targeted restoration investment — demonstrating BioGeo's commitment to applying the same rigorous geospatial science to conservation clients as to government and industry.