1 This is a preprint of an article published in Biological Conservation Volume 73 (1995) pages 169-176. © 1995 Elsevier Science Limited. All rights reserved. LINKING LANDSCAPE DATA WITH POPULATION VIABILITY ANALYSIS: MANAGEMENT OPTIONS FOR THE HELMETED HONEYEATER Lichenostomus melanops cassidix H. Resit Akçakaya Applied Biomathematics, 100 North Country Road, Setauket, New York 11733, USA Michael A. McCarthy and Jennie L. Pearce Forestry Section, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia ABSTRACT Habitats used by most species are becoming increasingly fragmented, requiring a metapopulation modelling approach to population viability analysis. Recognizing habitat patchiness from an endangered species' point of view requires utilization of spatial information on habitat suitability. Both of these requirements may be met by linking metapopulation modelling with landscape data using GIS technology. We present a PVA model that links spatial data directly to a metapopulation model for extinction risk assessment, viability analysis, reserve design and wildlife management. The use of the model is demonstrated by an application to the spatial dynamics of the Helmeted Honeyeater Lichenostomus melanops cassidix, an endangered bird species endemic to Victoria, Australia. We use spatial data, organized by a GIS, on the habitat requirements of the helmeted honeyeater to define the patch structure. We then combine this patch structure with demographic data to build a metapopulation model, and use the model to analyze the effectiveness of translocations as a conservation strategy for the helmeted honeyeater. Key words: habitat suitability model; helmeted honeyeater; metapopulation model; population viability analysis; translocation. INTRODUCTION Rare and threatened species are adversely affected by changes in the landscape that cause habitat loss and habitat fragmentation. Such changes in the landscape can be brought about by short-term human impact such as change in land-use patterns, or by long-term