Table 1 Description of the variables tested in the tick hazard, population exposure and risk of tick-human contacts models
Variable | Units | Expected relationship with DIN (tick hazard) | Expected relationship with visitor density (population exposure) |
|---|---|---|---|
Forest cover | Proportion covered by forest habitat around the trail segment (buffer sizes: 100, 200, 300, 400 & 500 m) | +  | + |
Forest patch size | m2 (the mean size of patches adjacent to the trail segment) | - | - |
Edge density between the forest and another habitat type | m of edges/ m2 around the trail segment (buffer sizes: 100, 200, 300, 400 & 500Â m) | + | NA |
Trail density | Trail width & length in m. No. of connections to other trail segments | + | +  |
Proximity of park entrances | Distance to or identification of the nearest entrance | NA | + |
Proximity of park facilities and attractions | Distance to or identification of the nearest refuge, viewpoint or service area. Presence of a lake along the trail | + | + |
Elevation | Mean elevation along the segment, in m | - | + |