Categories, topics, and criteria for evaluating the model inputs and modeling methods used in existing habitat models for rare plants in the California desert.

Models were assigned qualitative rankings of interpret with caution (red), acceptable (yellow), or ideal (green) based on the criteria described below. The first three occurrence data topics (number, age, and spatial accuracy of occurrences used to develop the model) also include exclusion criteria (in bold); models exceeding all three exclusion criteria were evaluated as acceptable for use in mapping probable suitable habitat. Models failing any of these exclusion criteria were considered for use in mapping potential suitable habitat for use only in targeting future field surveys (see Methods).