This data layer represents a potential Conservation Target (CT) for PFLCC's Priority Resource (PR): High Pine and Scrub. The potential CT shown here is the Red-cockaded Woodpecker (RCWs). RCWs were once common throughout the southeastern coastal plain, but are now a federally endangered species -- largely because of loss of its preferred habitat -- the longleaf pine ecosystem. The High Pine and Scrub PR is an important component of RCW recovery, and presence of this woodpecker may indicate a healthy high pine community. This layer was created for an initial investigation of potential CTs suggested by stakeholders during brainstorming workshops. The initial investigation entails locating available datasets to address the suggested CT as closely as possible and performing minimal analyses to determine their usefulness. The final set of CT's and their associated datasets will be chosen after targets (e.g., endpoints) are established as a threshold for achieving a conservation success for that CT.
The input for this analysis in addition to the Priority Resource layer is the predicted habitat distribution for RCW's created for the Wildlife Habitat Conservation Needs in Florida (WHCNiF) project . WHCNiF (2009) is an assessment of the protection status of Florida's biodiversity. The authors used predicted habitat distributions for focal species, along with conservation lands and population-viability modeling techniques to determine security of each focal species. The data used in this preliminary investigation of a potential CT is a 2016 update of potential habitat, using the same methodology on updated habitat and conservation lands data. For details of the methodology used to develop the RCW predicted distribution, see the WHCNiF final report (2009) (http://myfwc.com/media/1205682/TR15.pdf).
To evaluate the data for this potential CT, the pixels from the predicted habitat distribution were extracted using the High Pine and Scrub Priority Resource layer as a mask. For preliminary summaries of the extracted values, see also the 'High Pine and Scrub' webinar (in pdf form) located within this gallery.
If RCWs are chosen as one of the final Conservation Targets, additional occurrence and monitoring data, are available from a variety of sources for a more detailed assessment of RCWs within our High Pine and Scrub Priority Resource. FWC monitors RCWs on Wildlife Management Areas. USFWS also maintains data on RCWs and coordinates a translocation program that is closely monitored. Some additional sources include: FNAI's element occurrence database, and FWC's WildObs! (used by some managers and citizen scientists), USGS' BISON (Biodiversity Information Serving Our Nation) website with occurrence data from a variety of sources. These data, especially the monitoring data, may be used to refine the metrics used for RCWs as a CT.The Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Management Plan (http://myfwc.com/media/214360/RCW.pdf) can also provide information and targets (or endpoints) for RCW's as a CT.
For additional information on the High Pine and Scrub Priority Resource data, see the data layer found in this gallery.
References
Endries, M., B. Stys, G. Mohr, G. Kratimenos, S. Langley, K. Root, and R. Kautz. 2009. Wildlife Habitat Conservation Needs in Florida. Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Technical Report TR-15. x + 178 p
