Eastern Diamondback Connectivity

Expert opinion was used to define a resistance surface for each of the target animals, with higher resistance representing map units expected to be more difficult and dangerous for species to move through. A set of nodes for each species, with node points indicating center locations for potential source populations, are also defined. Note actual species population data to define the nodes is not used, as that data was often unavailable, and the focus is on the potential spread of the species across the SALCC region and not limited to models to known populations. Therefore, node locations were determined using an innovative approach to search for local minima in the resistance surfaces, as such areas likely represent favorable habitat [...]