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PATCH (Program to Assist in Tracking Critical Habitat) is a spatially explicit, individual-based, life history model for wildlife species. It is designed as a tool for risk assessors to predict how the numbers and distribution of wildlife species will change over time, as they are exposed to environmental contaminants or if their habitat is changed in any way. PATCH is ideal for investigations involving wildlife species that move around in search of nest sites, feeding areas, or hiding places and particularly those species that are territorial or are very particular in their habitat requirements. PATCH's data needs are minimal. It must be supplied with habitat maps, specifications for habitat use, population vital rates (survival and reproduction), and descriptions of movement behaviors for the species of interest. PATCH's outputs include maps of where the animals will be found as a landscape changes with time, and how the population density will increase or decrease (and, therefore, whether or not the population is likely to go extinct). It will be of particular use to risk managers who need to evaluate various mitigation options when cleaning up contaminated sites and to those who make decisions of potential effects to wildlife from use or disposal of chemicals (e.g., pesticides; waste site locations) or land use practices. This version replaces the older Unix version of the model, and will soon be available on EPA's web site at: www.epa.gov/wed/pages/models.htm.
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