U.S. Geological Survey Gap Analysis Program Species Distribution Models
Dates
Publication Date
2013-04-01
Summary
GAP distribution models represent the areas where species are predicted to occur based on habitat associations. GAP distribution models are the spatial arrangement of environments suitable for occupation by a species. In other words, a species distribution is created using a deductive model to predict areas suitable for occupation within a species range. To represent these suitable environments, GAP compiled existing GAP data, where available, and compiled additional data where needed. Existing data sources were the Southwest Regional Gap Analysis Project (SWReGAP) and the Southeast Gap Analysis Project (SEGAP) as well as a data compiled by Sanborn Solutions and Mason, Bruce and Girard. Habitat associations were based on land cover [...]
Summary
GAP distribution models represent the areas where species are predicted to occur based on habitat associations. GAP distribution models are the spatial arrangement of environments suitable for occupation by a species. In other words, a species distribution is created using a deductive model to predict areas suitable for occupation within a species range. To represent these suitable environments, GAP compiled existing GAP data, where available, and compiled additional data where needed. Existing data sources were the Southwest Regional Gap Analysis Project (SWReGAP) and the Southeast Gap Analysis Project (SEGAP) as well as a data compiled by Sanborn Solutions and Mason, Bruce and Girard. Habitat associations were based on land cover data of ecological systems and--when applicable for the given taxon--on ancillary variables such as elevation, hydrologic characteristics, human avoidance characteristics, forest edge, ecotone widths, etc. Distribution models were generated using a python script that selects model variables based on literature cited information stored in a wildlife habitat relationship database (WHRdb); literature used includes primary and gray publications. Distribution models are 30 meter raster data and delimited by GAP species ranges. Distribution model data were attributed with information regarding seasonal use based on GAP regional projects (NWGAP, SWReGAP, SEGAP, AKGAP, HIGAP, PRGAP, and USVIGAP), NatureServe data, and IUCN data. A full report documenting the parameters used in each species model can be found via: http://gis1.usgs.gov/csas/gap/viewer/species/Map.aspx Web map services for species distribution models can be accessed from: http://gis1.usgs.gov/arcgis/rest/services/NAT_Species_Birdshttp://gis1.usgs.gov/arcgis/rest/services/NAT_Species_Mammalshttp://gis1.usgs.gov/arcgis/rest/services/NAT_Species_Amphibianshttp://gis1.usgs.gov/arcgis/rest/services/NAT_Species_Reptiles A table listing all of GAP's available web map services can be found here: http://gapanalysis.usgs.gov/species/data/web-map-services/ GAP used the best information available to create these species distribution models; however GAP seeks to improve and update these data as new information becomes available. Recommended citation: U.S. Geological Survey Gap Analysis Program (USGS-GAP). [Year]. National Species Distribution Models. Available: http://gapanalysis.usgs.gov. Accessed [date].Online references:U.S. Geological Survey Gap Analysis Program: http://gapanalysis.usgs.govNorthwest Gap Analysis Project: http://gap.uidaho.eduSouthwest Regional Gap Analysis Project: http://swregap.nmsu.edu/HabitatModels/default.htmSoutheast Gap Analysis Project: http://www.basic.ncsu.edu/segapAlaska Gap Analysis Project: http://aknhp.uaa.alaska.edu/zoology/akgapHawaii Gap Analysis Project: ftp://ftp.gap.uidaho.edu/products/Hawaii.zipPuerto Rico Gap Analysis Project: http://prgap.orgU.S. Virgin Islands Gap Analysis Project: http://prgap.org
The mission of the U.S. Geological Survey Gap Analysis Program (GAP; http://gapanalysis.usgs.gov) is to provide state, regional and national biodiversity assessments of the conservation status of native vertebrate species and natural land cover types and to facilitate the application of this information to land management activities. Species distribution models are used to conduct a biodiversity assessment for species across the U.S. The goal of GAP is to keep common species common by identifying species and plant communities not adequately represented in existing conservation lands. Common species are those not currently threatened with extinction. By providing these data, land managers and policy makers can make better-informed decisions when identifying priority areas for conservation.
