Theories and Models for Habitat Selection

The theories and models of habitat selection have been developed through two important stages, i.e. ideal-free distribution models and spatially explicit habitat selection models. Various new theories and models were developed with a relaxed hypothesis of, free moving, and negative density-dependency. Key processes of habitat selection were identified as habitat preference, environmental information apperceiving, decision-making and choice behavior. There are still many questions concerning these four key links that require solutions. Habitat preference requires more controlled experimental studies rather than correlation analysis. Environmental information apperceiving needs to be further investigated by looking at behavior and cognitive scientific methods. Understanding decision-making is limited and needs to incorporate other methods of science, such as artificial intelligence. Understanding effects of choice behavior on the physiological condition of animals requires more physiological and ecological research.