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Gap Analysis Project (GAP) Terrestrial Vertebrate Species Richness Maps for the Conterminous U.S

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Gap Analysis Project (GAP) Terrestrial Vertebrate Species Richness Maps for the Conterminous U.S Prepared in cooperation with North Carolina State University, New Mexico State University, and Boise State University Gap Analysis Project (GAP) Terrestrial Vertebrate Species Richness Maps for the Conterminous U.S. Scientific Investigations Report 2019–5034 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey Cover. Mosaic of amphibian, bird, mammal, and reptile species richness maps derived from species’ habitat distribution models of the conterminous United States. Gap Analysis Project (GAP) Terrestrial Vertebrate Species Richness Maps for the Conterminous U.S. By Kevin J. Gergely, Kenneth G. Boykin, Alexa J. McKerrow, Matthew J. Rubino, Nathan M. Tarr, and Steven G. Williams Prepared in cooperation with North Carolina State University, New Mexico State University, and Boise State University Scientific Investigations Report 2019–5034 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Department of the Interior DAVID BERNHARDT, Secretary U.S. Geological Survey James F. Reilly II, Director U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2019 For more information on the USGS—the Federal source for science about the Earth, its natural and living resources, natural hazards, and the environment—visit https://www.usgs.gov or call 1–888–ASK–USGS (1–888–275–8747). For an overview of USGS information products, including maps, imagery, and publications, visit https://store.usgs.gov. Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Although this information product, for the most part, is in the public domain, it also may contain copyrighted materials as noted in the text. Permission to reproduce copyrighted items must be secured from the copyright owner. Suggested citation: Gergely, K.J., Boykin, K.G., McKerrow, A.J., Rubino, M.J., Tarr, N.M., and Williams, S.G., 2019, Gap Analysis Project (GAP) terrestrial vertebrate species richness maps for the conterminous U.S.: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2019–5034, 99 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20195034. ISSN 2328-0328 (online) iii Contents Abstract ...........................................................................................................................................................1 Introduction.....................................................................................................................................................1 Methods...........................................................................................................................................................4 Species Habitat Distribution Modeling .............................................................................................4 1. Species List ...........................................................................................................................4 2. Review of the Literature ......................................................................................................4 3. Compile a National Range Map .........................................................................................4 4. Enter Habitat Relationships into a Relational Database. ...............................................5 5. Run ArcGIS Model ...............................................................................................................6 6. Internal Review of Model Output .......................................................................................6 7. Publish the Model ................................................................................................................6 GAP Wildlife Habitat Relations Models (WHRMs) and Their Associated Habitat Maps Can be Useful in the Following Applications .............................................................................................8 The Species Habitat Distribution Maps ..........................................................................................10 Other Literature Related to GAP Species Habitat Distribution Models .....................................10 Data Access..................................................................................................................................................11 Naming Conventions and Codes ......................................................................................................11 Creating the Richness Maps .............................................................................................................11 Results ...........................................................................................................................................................12 Discussion .....................................................................................................................................................12 Programmatic Considerations ...................................................................................................................17 Modeling Approach ............................................................................................................................17 Model Review and Assessment .......................................................................................................17 Comparing Models..............................................................................................................................18 Future Directions.................................................................................................................................18 References Cited..........................................................................................................................................18 Appendix 1. Ancillary Datasets and Model Parameter Used in Species’ Habitat Modeling .......22 Land Cover and Derivatives ..............................................................................................................22 Land Cover ..................................................................................................................................22 Patch Size....................................................................................................................................22 Forest and Ecotone Habitats ....................................................................................................22 Ecotone Type and Width ...........................................................................................................22 Ecotone Type .....................................................................................................................22 Ecotone Width ...................................................................................................................22 Forest Interior and Width ................................................................................................22 Human Impact Avoidance .................................................................................................................23 Elevation ...............................................................................................................................................23 Hydrography ........................................................................................................................................23 Water Type ..................................................................................................................................23 Salinity .........................................................................................................................................23 Stream Velocity ..........................................................................................................................23 Appendix 2. Selected References for Information Used to Delineate Species’ Ranges .............64 Appendix 3. Table of Notes on Species Taxonomy .............................................................................79 Appendix 4. Table of Ancillary Datasets ...............................................................................................99 iv Figures 1. Map showing known range and predicted habitat distribution of Botaurus lentiginosus (American Bittern) .................................................................................................9 2. Map showing amphibian species richness derived from species habitat distribution models for the conterminous U.S. ...........................................................................................13 3. Map showing bird species richness derived from species habitat distribution models for the conterminous U.S .............................................................................................14 4. Map showing mammal species richness derived from species habitat distribution models for the conterminous U.S .............................................................................................15 5. Map showingof reptile species richness derived from species habitat distribution models for the conterminous U.S .............................................................................................16 Tables 1.1. List of 1,590 species for which Gap Analysis Project (GAP) habitat distribution models were created and combined to generate maps of species richness maps by class (amphibia, bird, mammal, reptile) .............................................................................24 2.1. List of 129 subspecies for which Gap Analysis Project (GAP) habitat distribution models
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